Seed product having polyanionic polymers

ABSTRACT

Novel polyanionic polymers including families of repeat units, such as maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat units. The polymers are at least tetrapolymers and may be in the acid form or as partial or complete salts. The polymers may be synthesized using free radical initiators in the presence of vanadium compounds. The polymers have a variety of uses, particularly in agricultural contexts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of International Application No. PCT No. PCT/US2014/052987, filed Aug. 27, 2014, claiming the benefit of three (3) U.S. provisional applications: Ser. No. 61/870,472, filed Aug. 27, 2013, Ser. No. 61/978,011, filed Apr. 10, 2014; and Ser. No. 62/001,110, filed May 21, 2014. The PCT and provisional applications are all incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention is broadly concerned with a new class of substantially water soluble, biodegradable polyanionic polymers and syntheses thereof finding particular utility in agricultural uses, e.g., directly applied to soil, or in combination with fertilizers to increase nutrient uptake; as seed coatings and pesticide adjuvants; to reduce atmospheric ammonia derived from animal manures; as animal feed and water amendments; and to inhibit nitrification, urease hydrolysis, and phosphate fixation in soils. More particularly, the invention is concerned with novel polymers that are at least tetrapolymers and preferably contain specific types of carboxylic and sulfonate repeat units, as well as methods of synthesizing dicarboxylate/sulfonate polymers including the novel polymers hereof. Other uses of the polyanionic polymers are also disclosed, alone or in combination with other polyanionic (e.g., dicarboxylic) polymers and/or other functional ingredients.

Description of the Prior Art

For a number of years, Specialty Fertilizer Products, LLC of Leawood, Kans., has commercialized a series of aqueous dispersions of maleic-itaconic polymers in partial salt form. These products include AVAIL® for use with granular and liquid fertilizers (respectively the partial sodium and ammonium salts), and NUTRISPHERE-N® for use with granular and liquid fertilizers (the partial calcium salt). For example, such products may be sprayed or otherwise applied to the surface of solid fertilizers, such as urea, ammonium salts, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), potash, and gypsum, or mixed with liquid fertilizers, such as UAN and ammonium polyphosphate.

These prior products have been shown to have a number of outstanding agricultural properties, including the ability to enhance the uptake of fertilizer nutrients (e.g., phosphates, nitrogen, potassium, and micronutrients), to act as adjuvants for pesticides such as glyphosate herbicides, and, when supplemented with an organic drying agent, to very quickly dry when applied to solid fertilizers, thereby facilitating production of final coated solid fertilizer products. Moreover, the preferred polymers have been shown to have enhanced activity when fertilizer formulations containing different types of polymer partial salts are employed (U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009-0217723). This technology is also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,515,090, 7,655,597, 7,736,412, and 8,043,995, and related patents.

Notwithstanding the success of the prior maleic-itaconic polymers, agriculturally useful polymers having even greater activities would be desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the problems outlined above and provides a new class of polymers preferably having a high carboxylate content and sulfonate repeat units, which are very soluble in water and biodegradable. As used herein, “polymer” is a broad term, which embraces homopolymers and copolymers, the latter containing any number of different repeat units or moieties, such as terpolymers or tetrapolymers. The preferred novel polymers hereof are at least tetrapolymers having at least four different repeat units distributed along the lengths of the polymer chains, preferably with at least one repeat unit each of maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat units. The repeat units are advantageously derived from corresponding monomers used in the synthesis of the polymers, and have at least one repeat unit from each of three separately defined categories of repeat units, referred to herein as type B, type C, and type G repeat units, and explained in detail below.

The invention has a number of aspects, relating to the new polymers, synthesis of polyanionic polymers, and various uses of the new polymers, alone or in conjunction with other anionic polymers.

1. The New Polymers

The new anionic polymers comprise at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the at least four repeat units including at least one each of type B, type C, and type G repeat units,

-   -   the type B repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted and unsubstituted monomers         of maleic acid and/or anhydride, fumaric acid and/or anhydride,         mesaconic acid and/or anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and         any isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete         salts of any of the foregoing, wherein type B repeat units may         be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain         alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo         atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations selected         from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures         thereof,     -   the type C repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted monomers         of itaconic acid, itaconic anhydride, and any isomers, esters,         and the partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, and         mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein the type C repeat         units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or         branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts have         salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of         metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the type G repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted         sulfonated monomers possessing at least one carbon-carbon double         bond and at least one sulfonate group and which are         substantially free of aromatic rings and amide groups, and any         isomers, and the partial or complete salts of any of the         foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein type G         repeat units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight         or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts of the type G         repeat units have salt-forming cations selected from the group         consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   at least about 90 mole percent of the repeat units therein are         selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat         units, and mixtures thereof,     -   the repeat units being randomly located along the polymer,     -   the polymer containing no more than about 10 mole percent of any         of (I) non-carboxylate olefin repeat units, (ii) ether repeat         units, and (iii) non-sulfonated monocarboxylic repeat units.

Preferably, the polymers comprise at least about 96 mole percent of the repeat units therein selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof, and still more preferably consist essentially of repeat units selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof. The polymers are also substantially free of ester groups and noncarboxylate olefin groups.

Especially preferred polymers have one type B repeat unit, one type C repeat unit, and two different type G repeat units, especially where the one type B repeat unit is derived from maleic acid, the one type C repeat unit is derived from itaconic acid, and two type G repeat units are respectively derived from methallylsulfonic acid and allylsulfonic acid. In such polymers, the type B repeat unit is present at a level of from about 35-55 mole percent, the type C repeat unit is present at a level of from about 20-55 mole percent, the type G repeat unit derived from methallylsulfonic acid is present at a level of from about 1-25 mole percent, and the type G repeat unit derived from allylsulfonic acid is present at a level of from about 1-25 mole percent, where the total amount of all of the repeat units in the polymer is taken as 100 mole percent. Other useful polymers comprise two different type B repeat units, one type C repeat unit, and one type G repeat unit, and where the polymer has at least one repeat unit not selected from the group consisting of type B, type C, and type G repeat units.

Advantageously, the total amount of type B repeat units in the polymer is from about 1-70 mole percent, the total amount of type C repeat units in the polymer is from about 1-80 mole percent, and the total amount of type G repeat units in the polymer is from about 0.1-65 mole percent, where the total amount of all of the repeat units in the polymer is taken as 100 mole percent. Still more preferably, the total amount of type B repeat units in the polymer is from about 20-65 mole percent, the total amount of type C repeat units in the polymer is from about 15-75 mole percent, and the total amount of type G repeat units in the polymer is from about 1-35 mole percent, where the total amount of all of the repeat units in the polymer is taken as 100 mole percent.

The novel polymers generally have a molecular weight of from about 800-50,000, and more preferably from about 1000-5000. The polymers of the invention may be in a free acid form or in partial or complete salt form, including one or more salt-forming cations bound with the polymer. Such salt-forming cations are usually selected from the group consisting of cations of metals, amines, micronutrients, and mixtures thereof, and especially those selected from the group consisting of alkali, alkaline earth, and transition metal cations.

The polymers of the invention may be used alone or in combination with another anionic polymer including maleic and itaconic repeat units. Moreover, polymer-containing formulations may be prepared comprising a polymer in accordance with the invention in combination with one or more other ingredients, selected from the group consisting of boric acid, boron-containing compounds, boric compound solvents, alcohols, diols, polyols, organic acids, polyvinyl alcohols, dyes, and mixtures thereof.

2. Polymer Synthesis

The invention also provides polymer synthesis methods useful for the production of a variety of polymers containing dicarboxylate and sulfonate repeat units, including the novel polymers of the invention. Such methods comprise the steps of:

-   -   forming an aqueous dispersion containing dicarboxylate and         sulfonate repeat unit monomers,     -   the dicarboxylate repeat unit monomers selected from the group         consisting of type B repeat unit monomers, type C repeat unit         monomers, and mixtures thereof,     -   the type B repeat unit monomers selected from the group         consisting of substituted and unsubstituted monomers of maleic         acid and/or anhydride, fumaric acid and/or anhydride, mesaconic         acid and/or anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and any         isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete salts         of any of the foregoing, wherein type B repeat unit monomers may         be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain         alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo         atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations selected         from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures         thereof,     -   the type C repeat unit monomers selected from the group         consisting of substituted or unsubstituted monomers of itaconic         acid, itaconic anhydride, and any isomers, esters, and the         partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, and mixtures         of any of the foregoing, wherein the type C repeat unit monomers         may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched         chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and         halo atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations         selected from the group consisting of metals, amines, and         mixtures thereof,     -   the sulfonate repeat unit monomers selected from the group         consisting of type G repeat unit monomers,     -   the type G repeat unit monomers selected from the group         consisting of substituted or unsubstituted sulfonated monomers         possessing at least one carbon-carbon double bond and at least         one sulfonate group and which are substantially free of aromatic         rings and amide groups, and any isomers, and the partial or         complete salts of any of the foregoing, and mixtures of any of         the foregoing, wherein type G repeat unit monomers may be         substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain         alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo         atoms, and wherein the salts of the type G repeat unit monomers         have salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of         metals, amines, and mixtures thereof;     -   heating the dispersion to an elevated temperature of from about         50-125° C. and adding a vanadium compound to the dispersion; and     -   thereafter adding a free radical initiator comprising at least         about 95% by weight hydrogen peroxide to the dispersion, and         causing the monomers within the dispersion to polymerize in an         oxygen-containing environment until at least about 90% by weight         of the monomers have been converted to the polymer.

In preferred forms, the vanadium compound is added to the dispersion after the heating step, and the free radical initiator is added over a period of from about 30 minutes-24 hours while maintaining the dispersion at the elevated temperature. The free radical initiator also preferably consists essentially of hydrogen peroxide. The synthesis is best carried out with the exclusion of substantial amounts of dissolved iron species and sulfate salts, and in an ambient air environment. The polymerization is usually carried out until at least about 98% by weight of the monomers have been converted to the polymer.

In preferred forms, the monomers comprise maleic monomers, itaconic monomers, allylsulfonate monomers, and methallylsulfonate monomers, and the vanadium compound is vanadium oxysulfate. The polymers may be recovered in the acid form or be converted to partial or complete salts.

For best results, the type B repeat units are present at a level of less than 50 mole percent, and the repeat units are randomly dispersed throughout the polymer.

In another aspect of the synthesis method, a polymer containing dicarboxylate and sulfonate repeat units may be prepared by a method comprising the steps of:

-   -   forming an aqueous dispersion containing dicarboxylate and         sulfonate monomers;     -   heating the dispersion to an elevated temperature of from about         50-125° C. and adding a vanadium compound to the dispersion; and     -   thereafter adding a free radical initiator comprising at least         about 95% by weight hydrogen peroxide to the dispersion, and         causing the monomers within the dispersion to polymerize in an         oxygen-containing environment until at least about 90% by weight         of the monomers have been converted to the polymer.

In preferred forms of this method, the vanadium compound is added to the dispersion after the heating step, and the free radical initiator is added over a period of from about 30 minutes-24 hours while maintaining the dispersion at the elevated temperature. The free radical initiator preferably consists essentially of hydrogen peroxide, and the dispersion is prepared with the exclusion of substantial amounts of dissolved iron species and sulfate salts.

The polymerization is best carried out in an ambient air environments, and until at least about 98% by weight of the monomers have been converted to the polymer. The monomers comprise maleic monomers, itaconic monomers, allylsulfonate monomers, and methallylsulfonate monomers, and the vanadium compound is vanadium oxysulfate. As before, the polymers may be recovered in the acid form or as partial or complete salts.

3. Fertilizer Products

The invention also provides agricultural products and uses thereof, wherein the products comprise fertilizer and a polymer mixed with the fertilizer, the polymer being an anionic polymer comprising at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the at least four repeat units including at least one each of type B, type C, and type G repeat units,

-   -   the type B repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted and unsubstituted monomers         of maleic acid and/or anhydride, fumaric acid and/or anhydride,         mesaconic acid and/or anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and         any isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete         salts of any of the foregoing, wherein type B repeat units may         be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain         alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo         atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations selected         from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures         thereof,     -   the type C repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted monomers         of itaconic acid, itaconic anhydride, and any isomers, esters,         and the partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, and         mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein the type C repeat         units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or         branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts have         salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of         metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the type G repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted         sulfonated monomers possessing at least one carbon-carbon double         bond and at least one sulfonate group and which are         substantially free of aromatic rings and amide groups, and any         isomers, and the partial or complete salts of any of the         foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein type G         repeat units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight         or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts of the type G         repeat units have salt-forming cations selected from the group         consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the anionic polymer containing no more than about 10 mole         percent of non-carboxylate olefins and/or ethers.

The fertilizer may be a solid fertilizer, and particularly granular, and the polymer is applied to the fertilizer as a liquid dispersion. Alternately, the fertilizer may be in liquid form, and the polymer is mixed with the liquid fertilizer. The fertilizers are preferably selected from the group consisting of starter fertilizers, phosphate-based fertilizers, fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, boron, zinc, manganese, copper, or molybdenum materials. One especially preferred solid fertilizer is urea. Where the fertilizers are solid, the polymers is preferably present at a level of from about 0.001-20 g per 100 g of the fertilizer. The tetrapolymers of the invention may be used alone or in combination with another anionic polymer including maleic and itaconic repeat units.

More generally, the invention provides agricultural products comprising fertilizer and a polymer mixed with the fertilizer, the polymer being an anionic polymer comprising at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, and the repeat units include at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat unit. Most preferably the polymer is a tetrapolymer and having maleic and itaconic repeat units, and two different sulfonate repeat units. The polymers may be recovered in the free acid form or as partial or complete salts, and in preferred forms include an amount of a micronutrient that is preferably bound or complexed with the polymer.

All of the fertilizer/polymer products of the invention may be used by applying such products to soil.

4. Pesticide Products

The invention provides pesticide products comprising a pesticide and a polymer, the polymer being an anionic polymer comprising at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the at least four repeat units including at least one each of type B, type C, and type G repeat units,

-   -   the type B repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted and unsubstituted monomers         of maleic acid and/or anhydride, fumaric acid and/or anhydride,         mesaconic acid and/or anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and         any isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete         salts of any of the foregoing, wherein type B repeat units may         be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain         alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo         atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations selected         from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures         thereof,     -   the type C repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted monomers         of itaconic acid, itaconic anhydride, and any isomers, esters,         and the partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, and         mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein the type C repeat         units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or         branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts have         salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of         metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the type G repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted         sulfonated monomers possessing at least one carbon-carbon double         bond and at least one sulfonate group and which are         substantially free of aromatic rings and amide groups, and any         isomers, and the partial or complete salts of any of the         foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein type G         repeat units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight         or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts of the type G         repeat units have salt-forming cations selected from the group         consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the anionic polymer containing no more than about 10 mole         percent of non-carboxylate olefins and/or ethers.

A wide variety of pesticides may be used in these products, such as those selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and nematocides. The complete product may be in solid, liquid or aerosol form, and may also include another polymer including maleic and itaconic repeat units. The polymers may be in acid form, or as partial or complete salts.

More generally, the invention provides pesticide products comprising a pesticide and a polymer, the polymer being an anionic polymer comprising at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the repeat units including at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat unit.

Particularly preferred compositions comprise a polymer mixed with glyphosate and micronutrients, the polymer being an anionic polymer comprising at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the repeat units including at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat unit. Again, the polymers of these compositions may be in combination with another anionic polymer including maleic and itaconic repeat units, and the micronutrients may be complexed with the polymer. The polymers may be in acid form, or as partial or complete salts.

All of the pesticide products of the invention may be used in pesticidal methods comprising the step of applying the products to soil, hard surfaces, or the leaves of plants.

5. Sulfur Products

The invention further provides products comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of gypsum, one or more members of the Kieserite Group, potassium magnesium sulfate, elemental sulfur, and mixtures thereof, and a polymer, the polymer being an anionic polymer comprising at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the at least four repeat units including at least one each of type B, type C, and type G repeat units,

-   -   the type B repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted and unsubstituted monomers         of maleic acid and/or anhydride, fumaric acid and/or anhydride,         mesaconic acid and/or anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and         any isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete         salts of any of the foregoing, wherein type B repeat units may         be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain         alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo         atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations selected         from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures         thereof,     -   the type C repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted monomers         of itaconic acid, itaconic anhydride, and any isomers, esters,         and the partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, and         mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein the type C repeat         units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or         branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts have         salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of         metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the type G repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted         sulfonated monomers possessing at least one carbon-carbon double         bond and at least one sulfonate group and which are         substantially free of aromatic rings and amide groups, and any         isomers, and the partial or complete salts of any of the         foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein type G         repeat units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight         or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts of the type G         repeat units have salt-forming cations selected from the group         consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the anionic polymer containing no more than about 10 mole         percent of non-carboxylate olefins and/or ethers.

Preferably, the compound comprises gypsum, and the polymer is present at a level of from about 0.01-10% w/w (more preferably from about 0.05-2% w/w), where the total weight of the polymer and the compound is taken as 100% by weight. At least about 80 mole percent of the polymer repeat units contain at least one anionic group. More preferably, the polymer has from about 1-70 mole percent of the type B repeat units, from about 15-75 mole percent of the type C repeat units, and from about 0.1-65 mole percent of the type G repeat units, and the total abundance of the type B, C, and G repeat units being at least about 90 mole percent. The polymer may have a molecular weight from about 800-50,000.

More generally, the products of this aspect of the invention comprise a compound selected from the group consisting of gypsum, one or more members of the Kieserite Group, potassium magnesium sulfate, elemental sulfur, and mixtures thereof, and a polymer, the polymer being an anionic polymer comprising at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the repeat units including at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat unit.

The sulfur products of the invention are used to fertilize soil by applying the products to soil.

6. Liquid or Solutionized Fertilizer Products

In another aspect of the invention, liquid or solutionized fertilizer products (e.g., gypsum or UAN) are provided including a fertilizer in aqueous dispersion, and a polyanionic polymer comprising at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the repeat units including at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonic repeat unit, and an amount of an alpha-hydroxy acid formulation. The fertilizer product normally is an aqueous dispersion having a pH of from about 4-7, or from about 0.5-3.

Preferably, the alpha-hydroxy acids are saturated and essentially free of double bonds and carbon ring structures, and are selected from the group consisting of lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, tartronic acid, glyceric acid, and dihydroxypropanedioic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Overall, the fertilizer products preferably contain from about 10-45% w/w of the polymer, from about 3-60% w/w of the alpha-hydroxy acid, with the balance being solvent. The polymer advantageously has at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the repeat units including at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat unit. In particularly preferred forms, the polymer comprises at least four repeat units including at least one each of type B, type C, and type G repeat units,

-   -   the type B repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted and unsubstituted monomers         of maleic acid and/or anhydride, fumaric acid and/or anhydride,         mesaconic acid and/or anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and         any isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete         salts of any of the foregoing, wherein type B repeat units may         be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain         alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo         atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations selected         from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures         thereof,     -   the type C repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted monomers         of itaconic acid, itaconic anhydride, and any isomers, esters,         and the partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, and         mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein the type C repeat         units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or         branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts have         salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of         metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the type G repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted         sulfonated monomers possessing at least one carbon-carbon double         bond and at least one sulfonate group and which are         substantially free of aromatic rings and amide groups, and any         isomers, and the partial or complete salts of any of the         foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein type G         repeat units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight         or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts of the type G         repeat units have salt-forming cations selected from the group         consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   at least about 90 mole percent of the repeat units therein are         selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat         units, and mixtures thereof,     -   the repeat units being randomly located along the polymer,     -   the polymer containing no more than about 10 mole percent of any         of (I) non-carboxylate olefin repeat units, (ii) ether repeat         units, and (iii) non-sulfonated monocarboxylic repeat units.

The fertilizer products of the invention may also be improved by the presence of an amount of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) therein, especially at a level of from about 0.1-10% w/w. Moreover, a plurality of different PVAs may be employed. The PVA should have a hydrolysis level of at least about 97 mole percent. The products may also include another polymer having maleic and itaconic repeat units therein.

The liquid or solutionized products of the invention are used by applying such products to soil.

7. Potassium Products

The invention in another aspect provides potassium products comprising at least partially water soluble potassium-containing solids, e.g., potassium chloride, having thereon the dried residue of an aqueous additive comprising a polymer salt containing a plurality of anionic repeat units including maleic and itaconic repeat units, with substantially all of the salt-forming cations of the polymer salt being alkali metal cations, the aqueous additive having a pH of from about 0.1-4 (more preferably from about 0.5-3, and most preferably about 1). The polymer is preferably present on the surface of the potassium-containing solids at a level of from about 0.001-10% by weight, based upon the total weight of the product taken as 100% by weight. The aqueous additive may also contain a carboxymethyl cellulose salt.

The polymer is advantageously at least a tetrapolymer and comprises at least four repeat units distributed along the polymer chain, the repeat units including at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat unit. More preferably, the polymer as at least one each of type B, type C, and type G repeat units,

-   -   the type B repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted and unsubstituted monomers         of maleic acid and/or anhydride, fumaric acid and/or anhydride,         mesaconic acid and/or anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and         any isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete         salts of any of the foregoing, wherein type B repeat units may         be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain         alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo         atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations selected         from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures         thereof,     -   the type C repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted monomers         of itaconic acid, itaconic anhydride, and any isomers, esters,         and the partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, and         mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein the type C repeat         units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or         branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts have         salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of         metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the type G repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted         sulfonated monomers possessing at least one carbon-carbon double         bond and at least one sulfonate group and which are         substantially free of aromatic rings and amide groups, and any         isomers, and the partial or complete salts of any of the         foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein type G         repeat units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight         or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts of the type G         repeat units have salt-forming cations selected from the group         consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   at least about 90 mole percent of the repeat units therein are         selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat         units, and mixtures thereof,     -   the repeat units being randomly located along the polymer,     -   the polymer containing no more than about 10 mole percent of any         of (I) non-carboxylate olefin repeat units, (ii) ether repeat         units, and (iii) non-sulfonated monocarboxylic repeat units.

Preferably, at least about 96 mole percent of the repeat units therein are selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof, and still more preferably the repeat units consist essentially of repeat units selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof; for best results, the polymer is substantially free of ester and noncarboxylate olefin groups.

In another aspect, the polymer has one type B repeat unit, one type C repeat unit, and two different type G repeat units, is at least a tetrapolymer, and the one type B repeat unit is derived from maleic acid, the one type C repeat unit is derived from itaconic acid, and the two type G repeat units are respectively derived from methallylsulfonic acid and allylsulfonic acid.

More generally, the invention provides potassium products comprising at least partially water soluble potassium-containing solids having thereon the dried residue of an aqueous additive comprising a polymer including at least four repeat units distributed along the polymer chain, the repeat units including at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat unit.

The polymers of the invention may be in the acid form or as partial or complete salts of alkali metals. The polymers are normally in the form of aqueous dispersions and are as such applied to the potassium solids, followed by drying thereof, so that the polymer is in the form of a dried residue. The potassium products of the invention may be used by applying the products to soil.

8. Seed Products

Improved coated seed products are also a part of the invention and comprise an agricultural seed coated with a polymer composition, the polymer composition including an anionic polymer comprising at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the at least four repeat units including at least one each of type B, type C, and type G repeat units,

-   -   the type B repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted and unsubstituted monomers         of maleic acid and/or anhydride, fumaric acid and/or anhydride,         mesaconic acid and/or anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and         any isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete         salts of any of the foregoing, wherein type B repeat units may         be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain         alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo         atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations selected         from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures         thereof,     -   the type C repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted monomers         of itaconic acid, itaconic anhydride, and any isomers, esters,         and the partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, and         mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein the type C repeat         units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or         branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts have         salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of         metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the type G repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted         sulfonated monomers possessing at least one carbon-carbon double         bond and at least one sulfonate group and which are         substantially free of aromatic rings and amide groups, and any         isomers, and the partial or complete salts of any of the         foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein type G         repeat units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight         or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts of the type G         repeat units have salt-forming cations selected from the group         consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the anionic polymer containing no more than about 10 mole         percent of non-carboxylate olefins and/or ethers.

The polymer composition is present in the seed product at a level of from about 0.001-10% by weight, based upon the total weight of the coated seed product. Preferably, at least about 96 mole percent of the repeat units in the polymer are selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof, and most preferably the repeat units consist essentially of repeat units selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof; also, it is preferred that the polymers be substantially free of ester and noncarboxylate olefin groups. Particularly advantageous polymers have one type B repeat unit, one type C repeat unit, and two different type G repeat units, and especially where the polymer is a tetrapolymer, the one type B repeat unit is derived from maleic acid, the one type C repeat unit is derived from itaconic acid, and two type G repeat units are respectively derived from methallylsulfonic acid and allylsulfonic acid.

Certain preferred polymers have type B repeat unit present at a level of from about 35-50 mole percent, the type C repeat unit present at a level of from about 20-55 mole percent, the type G repeat unit derived from methallylsulfonic acid being present at a level of from about 1-25 mole percent, and the type G repeat unit derived from allylsulfonic acid being present at a level of from about 1-20 mole percent, where the total amount of all of the repeat units in the polymer is taken as 100 mole percent.

The polymers useful in the invention may be in acid form or as partial or complete salts, particularly of micronutrient metals (e.g., Zn, Mn, B, Fe, Mo, Cu, and mixtures thereof).

More generally, the invention provides an agricultural seed coated with a polymer composition, the polymer composition including an anionic polymer comprising at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the repeat units including at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat unit.

In preparing the seed products of the invention, the polymer is initially applied to the seed as an aqueous composition, preferably having a pH of from about 5-7.

9. Methods of Reducing Atmospheric Ammonia

The invention additionally provides a method of reducing atmospheric ammonia by applying a polymer composition in an area subject to evolution of ammonia, the polymer composition including an anionic polymer comprising at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the repeat units including at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat unit. The area may be a livestock or poultry confinement facility including a manure collection zone, upright walls forming an enclosure, and a roof substantially covering the zone, and in such cases, the polymer composition may be applied directly to the manure within the collection zone. The polymer composition is preferably applied at a level of from about 0.005-3 gallons per ton of manure, in the form of an aqueous dispersion having a pH of from about 1-5. If desired, another polymer may be used in combination with the anionic polymer and including maleic and itaconic repeat units. The polymers of the invention may be in the form of a partial or complete salt, particularly a calcium and/or ammonium partial salt. Moreover, certain preferred polymer compositions include a first polymer in the form of a partial salt of calcium, and a second polymer in the form of a partial salt of ammonium.

Most preferably, the repeat units of the polymer include at least one each of type B, type C, and type G repeat units,

-   -   the type B repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted and unsubstituted monomers         of maleic acid and/or anhydride, fumaric acid and/or anhydride,         mesaconic acid and/or anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and         any isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete         salts of any of the foregoing, wherein type B repeat units may         be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain         alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo         atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations selected         from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures         thereof,     -   the type C repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted monomers         of itaconic acid, itaconic anhydride, and any isomers, esters,         and the partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, and         mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein the type C repeat         units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or         branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts have         salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of         metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the type G repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted         sulfonated monomers possessing at least one carbon-carbon double         bond and at least one sulfonate group and which are         substantially free of aromatic rings and amide groups, and any         isomers, and the partial or complete salts of any of the         foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein type G         repeat units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight         or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts of the type G         repeat units have salt-forming cations selected from the group         consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   at least about 90 mole percent of the repeat units therein are         selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat         units, and mixtures thereof,     -   the repeat units being randomly located along the polymer,     -   the polymer containing no more than about 10 mole percent of any         of (I) non-carboxylate olefin repeat units, (ii) ether repeat         units, and (iii) non-sulfonated monocarboxylic repeat units.

This polymer preferably has at least about 96 mole percent of the repeat units therein selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof, and most preferably consists essentially of repeat units selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof. These polymers are preferably substantially free of ester and noncarboxylate olefin groups. One preferred polymer has one type B repeat unit, one type C repeat unit, and two different type G repeat units. In this case, the polymer is preferably a tetrapolymer with the one type B repeat unit derived from maleic acid, the one type C repeat unit derived from itaconic acid, and the two type G repeat units respectively derived from methallylsulfonic acid and allylsulfonic acid. Furthermore, the type B repeat unit is present at a level of from about 35-50 mole percent, the type C repeat unit is present at a level of from about 20-55 mole percent, the type G repeat unit derived from methallylsulfonic acid is present at a level of from about 1-25 mole percent, and the type G repeat unit derived from allylsulfonic acid being present at a level of from about 1-20 mole percent, where the total amount of all of the repeat units in the polymer is taken as 100 mole percent.

Additional preferred compositions are operable to reduce atmosphere ammonia by application of the composition to an area subject to evolution of ammonia, with such composition comprising a first polymer composition comprising a first anionic polymer having at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the repeat units including at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat unit, the first anionic polymer being in the form of a partial or complete salt of calcium; and a second polymer composition comprising a second anionic polymer having maleic and itaconic repeat units along the length of the polymer chain, the second anionic polymer being a partial or complete salt of ammonium. Such polymers preferably are each in the form of an aqueous dispersion and have at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the repeat units including at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat unit.

10. Improved Animal Feeds and Waters

Improved animal feeds are provided comprising quantities of feed ingredients normally fed to the animal, and an amount of a feed amendment including a partial or complete polymer salt, the amount of the amendment sufficient to reduce volatilized ammonia derived from the excrement of the animal fed the improved animal feed, as compared with the volatilized ammonia of an animal fed an identical feed, without the amendment. The polymer salts of the invention are usually in the form of aqueous dispersions having a pH of from about 1-5 and comprise at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the repeat units including at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat unit.

In preferred forms, the at least four repeat units include at least one each of type B, type C, and type G repeat units,

-   -   the type B repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted and unsubstituted monomers         of maleic acid and/or anhydride, fumaric acid and/or anhydride,         mesaconic acid and/or anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and         any isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete         salts of any of the foregoing, wherein type B repeat units may         be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain         alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo         atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations selected         from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures         thereof,     -   the type C repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted monomers         of itaconic acid, itaconic anhydride, and any isomers, esters,         and the partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, and         mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein the type C repeat         units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or         branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts have         salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of         metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the type G repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted         sulfonated monomers possessing at least one carbon-carbon double         bond and at least one sulfonate group and which are         substantially free of aromatic rings and amide groups, and any         isomers, and the partial or complete salts of any of the         foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein type G         repeat units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight         or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts of the type G         repeat units have salt-forming cations selected from the group         consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   at least about 90 mole percent of the repeat units therein are         selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat         units, and mixtures thereof,     -   the repeat units being randomly located along the polymer,     -   the polymer salt containing no more than about 10 mole percent         of any of (I) non-carboxylate olefin repeat units, (ii) ether         repeat units, and (iii) non-sulfonated monocarboxylic repeat         units.

Advantageously, at least about 96 mole percent of the repeat units therein are selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof, and even more preferably the repeat units consist essentially of type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof; moreover, the polymers are preferably substantially free of ester and noncarboxylate olefin groups.

Specially preferred polymer salts have one type B repeat unit, one type C repeat unit, and two different type G repeat units, and, when in the form of a tetrapolymer, the one type B repeat unit is derived from maleic acid, the one type C repeat unit is derived from itaconic acid, and the two type G repeat units are respectively derived from methallylsulfonic acid and allylsulfonic acid. These polymer salts preferably have the type B repeat unit being present at a level of from about 35-50 mole percent, the type C repeat unit being present at a level of from about 20-55 mole percent, the type G repeat unit derived from methallylsulfonic acid being present at a level of from about 1-25 mole percent, and the type G repeat unit derived from allylsulfonic acid being present at a level of from about 1-20 mole percent, where the total amount of all of the repeat units in the polymer is taken as 100 mole percent.

In many cases, two separate polymer salts are used, one being a partial salt of calcium, and the other being a partial salt of ammonium. Moreover, other, different polymers including maleic and itaconic repeat units may be used in the amendments of the invention.

The animal feeds of the invention may be used as a method of reducing volatilized ammonia derived from the excrement of animals, comprising the step of administering to (feeding) the animals one or more of the above-described feeds.

Similarly, the invention also provides improved animal waters comprising a mixture of water and a partial or complete polymer salt, the polymer salt being in an amount sufficient to reduce volatilized ammonia derived from the excrement of the animal fed the improved animal water, as compared with the volatilized ammonia of an animal fed an identical water, without the amendment. The polymer salts preferably are in the form of aqueous dispersions having a pH of from about 1-5, and comprise at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the repeat units including at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat unit.

The at least four repeat units preferably include at least one each of type B, type C, and type G repeat units,

-   -   the type B repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted and unsubstituted monomers         of maleic acid and/or anhydride, fumaric acid and/or anhydride,         mesaconic acid and/or anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and         any isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete         salts of any of the foregoing, wherein type B repeat units may         be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain         alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo         atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations selected         from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures         thereof,     -   the type C repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted monomers         of itaconic acid, itaconic anhydride, and any isomers, esters,         and the partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, and         mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein the type C repeat         units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or         branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts have         salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of         metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the type G repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted         sulfonated monomers possessing at least one carbon-carbon double         bond and at least one sulfonate group and which are         substantially free of aromatic rings and amide groups, and any         isomers, and the partial or complete salts of any of the         foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein type G         repeat units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight         or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts of the type G         repeat units have salt-forming cations selected from the group         consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   at least about 90 mole percent of the repeat units therein are         selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat         units, and mixtures thereof,     -   the repeat units being randomly located along the polymer,     -   the polymer salt containing no more than about 10 mole percent         of any of (I) non-carboxylate olefin repeat units, (ii) ether         repeat units, and (iii) non-sulfonated monocarboxylic repeat         units.

Advantageously, at least about 96 mole percent of the repeat units therein are selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof, and more preferably the repeat units consist essentially of the type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof; the polymers are also preferably substantially free of ester and noncarboxylate olefin groups.

In one preferred case, the polymer salt has one type B repeat unit, one type C repeat unit, and two different type G repeat units, and especially where the polymer salt is a tetrapolymer, the one type B repeat unit is derived from maleic acid, the one type C repeat unit is derived from itaconic acid, and the two type G repeat units are respectively derived from methallylsulfonic acid and allylsulfonic acid. The type B repeat unit is preferably present at a level of from about 35-50 mole percent, the type C repeat unit being present at a level of from about 20-55 mole percent, the type G repeat unit derived from methallylsulfonic acid being present at a level of from about 1-25 mole percent, and the type G repeat unit derived from allylsulfonic acid being present at a level of from about 1-20 mole percent, where the total amount of all of the repeat units in the polymer is taken as 100 mole percent.

The polymers of the invention are preferably in the form of partial salts, and the overall compositions may comprise two separate polymer salts, one polymer salt being a partial salt of calcium, and the other polymer salt being a partial salt of ammonium.

11. Methods of Improving Soil Conditions

The invention provides methods of inhibiting a soil condition selected from the group consisting of nitrification processes, phosphate fixation processes, urease activities, and combinations thereof, comprising the step of applying to soil an effective amount of an anionic polymer including at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, the repeat units including at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat units. The repeat units preferably include at least one each of type B, type C, and type G repeat units,

-   -   the type B repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted and unsubstituted monomers         of maleic acid and/or anhydride, fumaric acid and/or anhydride,         mesaconic acid and/or anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and         any isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete         salts of any of the foregoing, wherein type B repeat units may         be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain         alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo         atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations selected         from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures         thereof,     -   the type C repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted monomers         of itaconic acid, itaconic anhydride, and any isomers, esters,         and the partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, and         mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein the type C repeat         units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or         branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts have         salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of         metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   the type G repeat units selected from the group consisting of         repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted         sulfonated monomers possessing at least one carbon-carbon double         bond and at least one sulfonate group and which are         substantially free of aromatic rings and amide groups, and any         isomers, and the partial or complete salts of any of the         foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein type G         repeat units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight         or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring         structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts of the type G         repeat units have salt-forming cations selected from the group         consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof,     -   at least about 90 mole percent of the repeat units therein are         selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat         units, and mixtures thereof,     -   the repeat units being randomly located along the polymer,     -   the polymer containing no more than about 10 mole percent of any         of (I) non-carboxylate olefin repeat units, (ii) ether repeat         units, and (iii) non-sulfonated monocarboxylic repeat units.

Advantageously, at least about 96 mole percent of the repeat units therein are selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof, and more preferably the repeat units consist essentially of type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof; the polymers are substantially free of ester and noncarboxylate olefin groups.

In one particular case, the polymer has one type B repeat unit, one type C repeat unit, and two different type G repeat units; especially where the polymer is a tetrapolymer, the one type B repeat unit is derived from maleic acid, the one type C repeat unit is derived from itaconic acid, and two type G repeat units are respectively derived from methallylsulfonic acid and allylsulfonic acid.

In preferred forms, the type B repeat unit is present at a level of from about 35-50 mole percent, the type C repeat unit being present at a level of from about 20-55 mole percent, the type G repeat unit derived from methallylsulfonic acid being present at a level of from about 1-25 mole percent, and the type G repeat unit derived from allylsulfonic acid being present at a level of from about 1-20 mole percent, where the total amount of all of the repeat units in the polymer is taken as 100 mole percent.

In carrying out the invention, the anionic polymer is mixed with an ammoniacal solid, liquid, or gaseous fertilizer, and especially solid fertilizers; in the latter case, the polymer is applied to the surface of the fertilizer as an aqueous dispersion followed by drying, so that the polymer is present on the solid fertilizer as a dried residue. The polymer is generally applied at a level of from about 0.01-10% by weight, based upon the total weight of the polymer/fertilizer product taken as 100% by weight. Where the fertilizer is an aqueous liquid fertilizer, the polymer is added thereto with mixing.

The polymers of the invention are preferably in aqueous dispersion and have a pH of up to about 3. These polymers may be used alone or in combination with another anionic polymer including maleic and itaconic repeat units.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The Novel Polymers of the Invention

The novel polyanionic polymers of the present invention (sometimes referred to herein as “Class I” polymers) are at least tetrapolymers, i.e., they are composed of at least four different repeat units individually and independently selected from the group consisting of type B, type C, and type G repeat units, and mixtures thereof, described in detail below. However, the polymers comprehend polymers having more than four distinct repeat units, with the excess repeat units being selected from the group consisting of type B, type C, and type G repeat units, and mixtures thereof, as well as other monomers or repeat units not being type B, C, or G repeat units.

Preferred polymers contain at least one repeat unit from each of the B, C, and G types, one other repeat unit selected from the group consisting of type B, type C, and type G repeat units, and optionally other repeat units not selected from type B, type C, and type G repeat units. Particularly preferred polymers comprise a single type B repeat unit, a single type C repeat unit, and two different type G repeat units, or two different type B repeat units, a single type C repeat unit, and one or more different type G repeat units.

However constituted, preferred polymers contain at least about 90 mole percent (more preferably at least about 96 mole percent) of repeat units selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat units (i.e., the polymers should contain no more than about 10 mole percent (preferably no more than about 4 mole percent) of repeat units not selected from types B, C, and G). The most preferred final polymers should be substantially free of ester groups (i.e., no more than about 5 mole percent ester groups, more preferably no more than about 1 mole percent).

The polymers may be converted to a wide range of salts, whether fully saturated (wherein all anionic groups are paired with a suitable cation, e.g., a metal or amine) or partial (wherein not all anionic groups are so paired), and may be made using either a single cation (e.g., sodium), or using any number of different cations at any level (e.g., mixed sodium and ammonium cations). Metal cations can be simple cations such as sodium or calcium, but more complex cations can also be used, such as cations containing a metal atom and other atom(s) as well, e.g., vanadyl cations. Among preferred metal cations (to be used alone or as mixed salts) are those derived from alkali, alkaline earth, and transition metals. The polymers may also be in the form of amine partial or complete salts (as used herein, “amines” refers to primary, secondary, or tertiary amines, monoamines, diamines, and triamines, as well as ammonia, ammonium ions, quaternary amines, quaternary ammonium ions, alkanolamines (e.g., ethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine), and tetraalkylammonium species). The most preferred class of amines are alkyl amines, where the alkyl group(s) have from 1-30 carbon atoms and are of straight or branched chain configuration. Such amines should be essentially free of aromatic rings (no more than about 5 mole percent aromatic rings, and more preferably no more than about 1 mole percent thereof). A particularly suitable alkyl amine is isopropylamine.

The degree of cation substitution and the identity of cation(s) may be varied completely independently of each other. This flexibility allows production of many different full or partial salt polymers of desirable properties. The solubility and other properties of the polymers can be modified by judicious selection of the types and amounts of salt-forming cations. For example, by increasing the level of divalent cations (e.g., Ca, Mg) and elevating the pH of aqueous dispersions of the polymers above pH 1, the resultant polymer salts are especially useful as films and coatings.

1. Type B Repeat Units

Type B repeat units in accordance with the invention are dicarboxylate repeat units derived from monomers of maleic acid and/or anhydride, fumaric acid and/or anhydride, mesaconic acid and/or anhydride, substituted maleic acid and/or anhydride, substituted fumaric acid and/or anhydride, substituted mesaconic acid and/or anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and any isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing. As used herein with respect to the type B repeat units, “substituted” species refers to alkyl substituents (preferably C1-C6 straight or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures), and halo substituents (i.e., no more than about 5 mole percent of either ring structures or halo substituents, preferably no more than about 1 mole percent of either); the substituents are normally bound to one of the carbons of a carbon-carbon double bond of the monomer(s) employed. Similarly, the “salts” of the type B repeat units refers to partial or complete salts prepared using salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof. In preferred forms, the total amount of type B repeat units in the polymers of the invention should range from about 1-70 mole percent, more preferably from about 20-65 mole percent, and most preferably from about 35-55 mole percent, where the total amount of all of the repeat units in the polymer is taken as 100 mole percent.

Maleic acid, methylmaleic acid, maleic anhydride, methylmaleic anhydride, and mesaconic acid (either alone or as various mixtures) are the most preferred monomers for generation of type B repeat units. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the usefulness of in situ conversion of acid anhydrides to acids in a reaction vessel just before or even during a reaction. However, it is also understood that when corresponding esters (e.g., maleic or citraconic esters) are used as monomers during the initial polymerization, this should be followed by hydrolysis (acid or base) of pendant ester groups to generate a final carboxylated polymer substantially free of ester groups.

2. Type C Repeat Units

Type C repeat units in accordance with the invention are derived from monomers of itaconic acid and/or anhydride, substituted itaconic acid and/or anhydride, as well as isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing. The type C repeat units are present in the preferred polymers of the invention at a level of from about 1-80 mole percent, more preferably from about 15-75 mole percent, and most preferably from about 20-55 mole percent, where the total amount of all of the repeat units in the polymer is taken as 100 mole percent.

The itaconic acid monomer used to form type C repeat unit has one carboxyl group, which is not directly attached to the unsaturated carbon-carbon double bond used in the polymerization of the monomer. Hence, the preferred type C repeat unit has one carboxyl group directly bound to the polymer backbone, and another carboxyl group spaced by a carbon atom from the polymer backbone. The definitions and discussion relating to “substituted,” “salt,” and useful salt-forming cations (metals, amines, and mixtures thereof) with respect to the type C repeat units, are the same as those set forth for the type B repeat units.

Unsubstituted itaconic acid and itaconic anhydride, either alone or in various mixtures, are the most preferred monomers for generation of type C repeat units. Again, if itaconic anhydride is used as a starting monomer, it is normally useful to convert the itaconic anhydride monomer to the acid form in a reaction vessel just before or even during the polymerization reaction. Any remaining ester groups in the polymer are normally hydrolyzed, so that the final carboxylated polymer is substantially free of ester groups.

3. Type G Repeat Units

Type G repeat units in accordance with the invention are derived from substituted or unsubstituted sulfonate-bearing monomers possessing at least one carbon-carbon double bond and at least one sulfonate group, in acid, partial or complete salt, or other form, and which are substantially free of aromatic rings and amide groups (i.e., no more than about 5 mole percent of either aromatic rings or amide groups, preferably no more than about 1 mole percent of either). The type G repeat units are preferably selected from the group consisting of C1-C8 straight or branched chain alkenyl sulfonates, substituted forms thereof, and any isomers or salts of any of the foregoing; especially preferred are alkenyl sulfonates selected from the group consisting of vinyl, allyl, and methallylsulfonic acids or salts. The total amount of type G repeat units in the polymers of the invention should range from about 0.1-65 mole percent, more preferably from about 1-35 mole percent, and most preferably from about 1-25 mole percent, where the total amount of all of the repeat units in the polymer is taken as 100 mole percent. The definitions and discussion relating to “substituted,” “salt,” and useful salt-forming cations (metals, amines, and mixtures thereof) with respect to the type G repeat units, are the same as those set forth for the type B repeat units.

Vinylsulfonic acid, allylsulfonic acid, and methallylsulfonic acid, either alone or in various mixtures, are deemed to be the most preferred monomers for generation of type G repeat units. It has also been found that alkali metal salts of these acids are also highly useful as monomers. In this connection, it was unexpectedly discovered that during polymerization reactions yielding the novel polymers of the invention, the presence of mixtures of alkali metal salts of these monomers with acid forms thereof does not inhibit completion of the polymerization reaction. By the same token, mixtures of monomers of maleic acid, itaconic acid, sodium allyl sulfonate, and sodium methallyl sulfonate do not inhibit the polymerization reaction.

Further Preferred Characteristics of the Novels Polymers

As noted previously, the total abundance of type B, C, and G repeat units in the polymers of the invention is preferably at least about 90 mole percent, more preferably at least about 96 mole percent, and most preferably the polymers consist essentially of or are 100 mole percent B, C, and G-type repeat units. It will be understood that the relative amounts and identities of polymer repeat units can be varied, depending upon the specific properties desired in the resultant polymers. Moreover, it is preferred that the polymers of the invention contain no more than about 10 mole percent (more preferably no more than about 5 mole percent) of any of (I) non-carboxylate olefin repeat units, (ii) ether repeat units, (iii) ester repeat units, (iv) non-sulfonated monocarboxylic repeat units, and (v) amide-containing repeat units. “Non-carboxylate” and “non-sulfonated” refers to repeat units having essentially no carboxylate groups or sulfonate groups in the corresponding repeat units. Advantageously, the mole ratio of the type B and type C repeat units in combination to the type G repeat units (that is, the mole ratio of (B+C)/G) should be from about 0.5-20:1, more preferably from about 2:1-20:1, and still more preferably from about 2.5:1-10:1. Still further, the polymers should be essentially free (e.g., less than about 1 mole percent) of alkyloxylates or alkylene oxide (e.g., ethylene oxide)-containing repeat units, and most desirably entirely free thereof.

The preferred polymers of the invention have the repeat units thereof randomly located along the polymer chain without any ordered sequence of repeat units. Thus, the polymers hereof are not, e.g., alternating with different repeat units in a defined sequence along the polymer chain.

It has also been determined that the preferred polymers of the invention should have a very high percentage of the repeat units thereof bearing at least one anionic group, e.g., at least about 80 mole percent, more preferably at least about 90 mole percent, still more preferably at least about 95 mole percent, and most preferably essentially all of the repeat units contain at least one anionic group. It will be appreciated that the B and C repeat units have two anionic groups per repeat unit, whereas the preferred sulfonate repeat units have one anionic group per repeat unit.

For a variety of applications, certain tetrapolymer compositions are preferred, i.e., a preferred polymer backbone composition range (by mole percent, using the parent monomer names of the corresponding repeat units) is: maleic acid 35-50%; itaconic acid 20-55%; methallylsulfonic acid 1-25%; and allylsulfonic sulfonic acid 1-20%, where the total amount of all of the repeat units in the polymer is taken as 100 mole percent. It has also been found that even small amounts of repeat units, which are neither B nor C repeat units, can significantly impact the properties of the final polymers, as compared with prior BC polymers. Thus, even 1 mole percent of each of 2 different G repeat units can result in a tetrapolymer exhibiting drastically different behaviors, as compared with BC polymers.

The molecular weight of the polymers is also highly variable, again depending principally upon the desired properties. Generally, the molecular weight distribution for polymers in accordance with the invention is conveniently measured by size exclusion chromatography. Broadly, the molecular weight of the polymers ranges from about 800-50,000, and more preferably from about 1000-5000. For some applications, it is advantageous that at least 90% of the finished polymer be at or above a molecular weight of about 1000 measured by size exclusion chromatography in 0.1 M sodium nitrate solution via refractive index detection at 35° C. using polyethylene glycol standards. Of course, other techniques for such measurement can also be employed.

The polymers of the invention may be mixed with or complexed with metal or non-metal ions, and especially those selected from the group of simple cations such as the amines, alkali metals, Fe, Mn, Mg, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Mo, V, Cr, Si, B, Ca, and compounds containing these cations, e.g., boric acid, borates, molybdates, more complex cations such as vanadyl ions [VO]²⁺, and other complex ions containing vanadium, and mixtures of any of the foregoing.

The polymers of the invention can also be used in formulations containing a wide variety of other ingredients, including but not limited to alcohols, diols, polyols, organic acids, polyvinyl alcohols, dyes, plastics, and mixtures thereof.

Syntheses of the Polymers of the Invention

Virtually any conventional method of free radical polymerization may be suitable for the synthesis of the polymers of the invention. However, a preferred and novel synthesis may be used, which is applicable not only for the production of the polymers of the invention, but also for the synthesis of polymers containing dicarboxylate repeat units and sulfonate repeat units and preferably containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Such types of polymers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,536,311 and 5,210,163.

Generally speaking, the new synthesis methods comprise carrying out a free radical polymerization reaction between dicarboxylate and sulfonate repeat units in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and vanadium-containing species to achieve a conversion to polymer in excess of 90%, and more preferably in excess of 98%, by mole. That is, a dispersion of the dicarboxylate and sulfonated monomers is created and free radical initiator(s) are added followed by allowing the monomers to polymerize.

Of course, the preferred dicarboxylate and sulfonate repeat units are those described previously as B, C, and G repeat units. Moreover, it has been found that acceptable polymers can be synthesized having relatively low amounts of maleic-type B repeat units, without creating excess unreacted monomers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,677 describes synthesis of polymers containing maleic acid and other water soluble repeat units. The '677 patent teaches that the amount of maleic repeat units is at least 50 weight percent, more preferably at least 75 weight percent, and that if smaller amounts of maleic repeat units are employed, large amounts of residual monomers are created and the resultant polymers are poor in biodegradability. However, it has been found that by judicious selection of the B, C, and G repeat units of the invention, essentially complete polymerization is achieved even with maleic-type B repeat units below 50 mole percent of the reaction mixture, as noted previously.

Preferably, hydrogen peroxide is the sole initiator used in the reaction, but in any case, it is advantageous to conduct the reaction in the absence of any substantial quantities of other initiators (i.e., the total weight of the initiator molecules used should be about 95% by weight hydrogen peroxide, more preferably about 98% by weight, and most preferably 100% by weight thereof). Various sources of vanadium may be employed, with vanadium oxysulfates being preferred.

It has been discovered that it is most advantageous to perform these polymerization reactions in substantially aqueous dispersions (e.g., the dispersants are at least about 95% by weight water, more preferably at least about 98% by weight water, and most preferably 100% by weight water). The aqueous dispersions may also contain additional monomer(s), but only to the minor extent noted.

It has also been found that the preferred polymerization reactions may be carried out without the use of inert atmospheres, e.g., in an ambient air environment. As is well known in the art, free radical polymerization reactions in dispersions are normally conducted in a way that excludes the significant presence of oxygen. As a result, these prior techniques involve such necessary and laborious steps as degassing, inert gas blanketing of reactor contents, monomer treatments to prevent air from being present, and the like. These prior expedients add to the cost and complexity of the polymerizations, and can present safety hazards. However, in the polymerizations of the polymers of the present invention, no inert gas or other related steps are required, although they may be employed if desired.

One preferred embodiment comprises creating highly concentrated aqueous dispersions of solid monomer particles (including saturated dispersions containing undissolved monomers) at a temperature of from about 50-125° C., more preferably from about 75-110° C., and adding vanadium oxysulfate to give a vanadium concentration in the dispersion of from about 1-1000 ppm, and more preferably from about 5-500 ppm (metals basis). This is followed by the addition of hydrogen peroxide over a period of from about 30 minutes-24 hours (more preferably from about 1-5 hours) in an amount effective to achieve polymerization. This process is commonly carried out in a stirred tank reactor equipped with facilities for controlling temperature and composition, but any suitable equipment used for polymerization may be employed.

Another highly preferred and efficient embodiment involves charging a stirred tank reactor with water, followed by heating and the addition of monomers to give a dispersion having from about 40-75% w/w solids concentration. Where maleic and/or itaconic monomers are employed, they may be derived either from the corresponding acid monomers, or from in situ conversion of the anhydrides to acid in the water. Carboxylate and sulfonated monomers are preferred in their acid and/or anhydride form, although salts may be used as well. Surprisingly, it has been found that incomplete monomer dissolution is not severely detrimental to the polymerization; indeed, the initially undissolved fraction of monomers will dissolve at some time after polymerization has been initiated.

After the initial heating and introduction of monomers, the reactor contents are maintained at a temperature between about 80-125° C., with the subsequent addition of vanadium oxysulfate. Up to this point in the reaction protocol, the order of addition of materials is not critical. After introduction of vanadium oxysulfate, a hydrogen peroxide solution is added over time until substantially all of the monomers are converted to polymer. Peroxide addition may be done at a constant rate, a variable rate, and with or without pauses, at a fixed or variable temperature. The concentration of peroxide solution used is not highly critical, although the concentration on the low end should not dilute the reactor contents to the point where the reaction becomes excessively slow or impractically diluted. On the high end, the concentration should not cause difficulties in performing the polymerization safely in the equipment being used.

After the polymerization is completed, the cations present may be left as they are, or additional cations may be added. For example, the reactor contents may be neutralized to a higher pH by the addition of various alkali metal or alkaline earth metal cations, ammonia, amines, or any other suitable cation source, thereby providing various mixed salts of the polymer, if desired.

Preferably, the polymerization reactions of the invention are carried out to exclude substantial amounts of dissolved iron species (i.e., more than about 5% by weight of such species, and more preferably substantially less, on the order of below about 5 ppm, and most advantageously under about 1 ppm). This is distinct from certain prior techniques requiring the presence of iron-containing materials. Nonetheless, it is acceptable to carry out the polymerization of the invention in 304 or 316 stainless steel reactors. It is also preferred to exclude from the polymerization reaction any significant amounts (nor more than about 5% by weight) of the sulfate salts of ammonium, amine, alkali and alkaline earth metals, as well as their precursors and related sulfur-containing salts, such as bisulfites, sulfites, and metabisulfites. It has been found that use of these sulfate-related compounds leaves a relatively high amount of sulfates and the like in the final polymers, which either must be separated or left as a product contaminant.

The high polymerization efficiencies of the preferred syntheses result from the use of water as a solvent and without the need for other solvents, elimination of other initiators (e.g., azo, hydroperoxide, persulfate, organic peroxides) iron and sulfate ingredients, the lack of recycling loops, so that substantially all of the monomers are converted to the finished polymers in a single reactor. This is further augmented by the fact that the polymers are formed first, and subsequently, if desired, partial or complete salts can be created. The important factors are the simultaneous presence of water solvent, peroxide initiator, vanadium compound, and monomers provided at appropriate times and at useful temperatures. This can be arranged in any equipment and in any fashion known in the art, i.e., the manor in which this is arranged is not critical. For example, a certain proportion of the monomers may be in water solution in a reaction vessel, while additional monomers and peroxide are added to the vessel as the reaction proceeds in the presence of appropriate vanadium compound levels.

EXAMPLES

The following Examples 1-4 describe preferred synthesis techniques for preparing polymers; it should be understood, however, that these Examples are provided by way of illustration only and nothing therein should be taken as a limitation on the overall scope of the invention.

Example 1—Exemplary Synthesis

Apparatus:

A cylindrical reactor was used, capable of being heated and cooled, and equipped with efficient mechanical stirrer, condenser, gas outlet (open to atmosphere), solids charging port, liquids charging port, thermometer and peroxide feeding tube.

Procedure: Water was charged into the reactor, stirring was initiated along with heating to a target temperature of 95° C. During this phase, itaconic acid, sodium methallylsulfonate, sodium allylsulfonate, and maleic anhydride were added so as to make a 50% w/w solids dispersion with the following monomer mole fractions:

-   -   maleic: 45%     -   itaconic: 35%     -   methallylsulfonate: 15%     -   allylsulfonate: 5%         When the reactor temperature reached 95° C., vanadium oxysulfate         was added to give a vanadium metal concentration of 25 ppm by         weight. After the vanadium salt fully dissolved, hydrogen         peroxide (as 50% w/w dispersion) was added continuously over 3         hours, using the feeding tube. The total amount of hydrogen         peroxide added was 5% of the dispersion weight in the reactor         prior to peroxide addition. After the peroxide addition was         complete, the reactor was held at 95° C. for two hours, followed         by cooling to room temperature.

The resulting polymer dispersion was found to have less than 2% w/w total of residual monomers as determined by chromatographic analysis.

Example 2—Exemplary Synthesis

Apparatus:

Same as Example 1

Procedure: Water was charged into the reactor, stirring was initiated along with heating to a target temperature of 100° C. During this phase, itaconic acid, sodium methallylsulfonate, sodium allylsulfonate, and maleic anhydride were added so as to make a 70% w/w solids dispersion with the following monomer mole fractions:

-   -   maleic: 45%     -   itaconic: 50%     -   methallylsulfonate: 4%     -   allylsulfonate: 1%         When the reactor temperature reached 100° C., vanadium         oxysulfate was added to give a vanadium metal concentration of         25 ppm by weight. After the vanadium salt fully dissolved,         hydrogen peroxide (as 50% w/w dispersion) was added continuously         over 3 hours, using the feeding tube. The total amount of         hydrogen peroxide added was 7.5% of the dispersion weight in the         reactor prior to peroxide addition. After the peroxide addition         was complete, the reactor was held at 100° C. for two hours,         followed by cooling to room temperature.

The resulting polymer dispersion was found to have less than 1% w/w total of residual monomers as determined by chromatographic analysis.

Example 3—Exemplary Synthesis

A terpolymer salt dispersion containing 70% by weight polymer solids in water was prepared using a cylindrical reactor capable of being heated and cooled, and equipped with an efficient mechanical stirrer, a condenser, a gas outlet open to the atmosphere, respective ports for charging liquids and solids to the reactor, a thermometer, and a peroxide feeding tube.

Water (300 g) was charged into the reactor with stirring and heating to a target temperature of 95° C. During heating, itaconic acid, sodium methallylsulfonate, and maleic anhydride were added so as to make a 75% w/w solids dispersion with the following monomer mole fractions: maleic anhydride—20%; itaconic acid—60%; methallylsulfonate sodium salt—20%. When the monomers were initially added, they were in suspension in the water. As the temperature rose, the monomers became more fully dissolved before polymerization was initiated, and the maleic anhydride was hydrolyzed to maleic acid. When the reactor temperature reached 95° C., vanadium oxysulfate was added to yield a vanadium metal concentration of 50 ppm by weight of the reactor contents at the time of addition of the vanadium salt. After the vanadium salt fully dissolved, hydrogen peroxide was added as a 50% w/w dispersion in water continuously over two hours. At the time of hydrogen peroxide addition, not all of the monomers were completely dissolved, achieving what is sometimes referred to as “slush polymerization”; the initially undissolved monomers were subsequently dissolved during the course of the reaction. The total amount of hydrogen peroxide added equaled 5% of the dispersion weight in the reactor before addition of the peroxide.

After the peroxide addition was completed, the reaction mixture was held at 95° C. for two hours, and then allowed to cool to room temperature. The resulting polymer dispersion had a pH of slightly below 1.0 and was a partial sodium salt owing to the sodium cation on the sulfonate monomers. The dispersion was found to have a monomer content of less than 2% w/w, calculated as a fraction of the total solids in the reaction mixture, as determined by chromatographic analysis. Accordingly, over 98% w/w of the initially added monomers were converted to polymer.

Example 4—Preparation of Tetrapolymer Partial Salts

A tetrapolymer partial sodium salt dispersion containing 40% by weight polymer solids in water was prepared by the preferred free radical polymerization synthesis of the invention, using an aqueous monomer reaction mixture having 45 mole percent maleic anhydride, 35 mole percent itaconic acid, 15 mole percent methallylsulfonate sodium salt, and 5 mole percent allylsulfonate. The final tetrapolymer dispersion had a pH of slightly below 1.0 and was a partial sodium salt owing to the sodium cation on the sulfonate monomers. At least about 90% of the monomers were polymerized in the reaction.

This sodium partial salt tetrapolymer was used to create a series of 40% solids in water partial salts. In each instance, apart from the sodium present in the tetrapolymer mixture, appropriate bases or base precursors (e.g., carbonates), or mixtures thereof were added to the aqueous tetrapolymer at room temperature to generate the corresponding salts. In all instances save for Salt A below, the in situ sodium resulting from the synthesis was the primary source of sodium used in the conversions; in Salt A, the bulk of the sodium came from the use of NaOH. Specifically, the following basic reactants were employed with quantities of the tetrapolymer to give the following salts:

Salt A—sodium hydroxide, pH 7.

Salt B—ammonium hydroxide and a minor amount of sodium hydroxide, pH 2.

Salt C—calcium carbonate and a minor amount of sodium hydroxide, pH 1.5.

Salt D—calcium carbonate and a minor amount of sodium hydroxide, pH 3.5.

Salt E—isopropylamine, pH 4.8.

Salt F—triethanolamine, pH 7.

Salt G—zinc carbonate, manganese carbonate, cupric basic carbonate, and sodium hydroxide, pH 6 (Zn content 2% by weight, Mn content 1% by weight, Cu content 250 ppm).

Salt H—zinc carbonate, pH 3 (Zn content 5% by weight).

Salt I—manganese carbonate, pH 4 (Mn content 5% by weight).

Mixtures of the Novel Polymers of the Invention with Other Polymers

The novel polymers hereof may be a part of polymer mixtures or fractions, which include other types of polymers, especially dicarboxylate polymers, and particularly those containing maleic and itaconic repeat units. These mixed polymer formulations may be used in all of the contexts hereafter described.

Preferred types of different polymers useful in the mixed polymer products are referred to as “Class IA” and “Class II” polymers.

Class IA Polymers

Class IA polymers contain both carboxylate and sulfonate functional groups, but are not the tetra- and higher order polymers of Class I. For example, terpolymers of maleic, itaconic, and allylsulfonic repeat units, which are per se known in the prior art, will function as the polyanionic polymer component of the compositions of the invention. The Class IA polymers thus are normally homopolymers, copolymers, and terpolymers, advantageously including repeat units individually and independently selected from the group consisting of type B, type C, and type G repeat units, without the need for any additional repeat units. Such polymers can be synthesized in any known fashion, and can also be produced using the previously described Class I polymer synthesis.

Class IA polymers preferably have the same molecular weight ranges and the other specific parameters (e.g., pH and polymer solids loading) previously described in connection with the Class I polymers, and may be converted to partial or complete salts using the same techniques described with reference to the Class I polymers. Class IA polymers are most advantageously synthesized using the techniques described above in connection with the Class I polymers.

Class IA Polymers

Class IA polymers contain both carboxylate and sulfonate functional groups, but are not the tetra- and higher order polymers of Class I. For example, terpolymers of maleic, itaconic, and allylsulfonic repeat units, which are per se known in the prior art, will function as the polyanionic polymer component of the compositions of the invention. The Class IA polymers thus are normally homopolymers, copolymers, and terpolymers, advantageously including repeat units individually and independently selected from the group consisting of type B, type C, and type G repeat units, without the need for any additional repeat units. Such polymers can be synthesized in any known fashion, and can also be produced using the previously described Class I polymer synthesis.

Class IA polymers preferably have the same molecular weight ranges and the other specific parameters (e.g., pH and polymer solids loading) previously described in connection with the Class I polymers, and may be converted to partial or complete salts using the same techniques described with reference to the Class I polymers. Class IA polymers are most advantageously synthesized using the techniques described above in connection with the Class I polymers.

Class II Polymers

Broadly speaking, the polyanionic polymers of this class are of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,043,995, which incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The polymers include repeat units derived from at least two different monomers individually and respectively taken from the group consisting of what have been denominated for ease of reference as B′ and C′ monomers; alternately, the polymers may be formed as homopolymers or copolymers from recurring C′ monomers. The repeat units may be randomly distributed throughout the polymer chains.

In detail, repeat unit B′ is of the general formula

and repeat unit C′ is of the general formula

wherein each R₇ is individually and respectively selected from the group consisting of H, OH, C₁-C₃₀ straight, branched chain and cyclic alkyl or aryl groups, C₁-C₃₀ straight, branched chain and cyclic alkyl or aryl formate (C₀), acetate (C₁), propionate (C₂), butyrate (C₃), etc. up to C₃₀ based ester groups, R′CO₂ groups, OR′ groups and COOX groups, wherein R′ is selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₃₀ straight, branched chain and cyclic alkyl or aryl groups and X is selected from the group consisting of H, the alkali metals, NH₄ and the C₁-C₄ alkyl ammonium groups, R₃ and R₄ are individually and respectively selected from the group consisting of H, C₁-C₃₀ straight, branched chain and cyclic alkyl or aryl groups, R₅, R₆, R₁₀ and R₁₁ are individually and respectively selected from the group consisting of H, the alkali metals, NH₄ and the C₁-C₄ alkyl ammonium groups, Y is selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Mg, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Mo, V, W, the alkali metals, the alkaline earth metals, polyatomic cations containing any of the foregoing (e.g., VO⁺²), amines, and mixtures thereof; and R₈ and R₉ are individually and respectively selected from the group consisting of nothing (i.e., the groups are non-existent), CH₂, C₂H₄, and C₃H₆.

As can be appreciated, the Class II polymers typically have different types and sequences of repeat units. For example, a Class II polymer comprising B′ and C′ repeat units may include all three forms of B′ repeat units and all three forms of C′ repeat units. However, for reasons of cost and ease of synthesis, the most useful Class II polymers are made up of B′ and C′ repeat units. In the case of the Class II polymers made up principally of B′ and C′ repeat units, R₅, R₆, R₁₀, and R₁₁ are individually and respectively selected from the group consisting of H, the alkali metals, NH₄, and the C₁-C₄ alkyl ammonium groups. This particular Class II polymer is sometimes referred to as a butanedioic methylenesuccinic acid copolymer and can include various salts and derivatives thereof.

The Class II polymers may have a wide range of repeat unit concentrations in the polymer. For example, Class II polymers having varying ratios of B′:C′ (e.g., 10:90, 60:40, 50:50 and even 0:100) are contemplated and embraced by the present invention. Such polymers would be produced by varying monomer amounts in the reaction mixture from which the final product is eventually produced and the B′ and C′ type repeat units may be arranged in the polymer backbone in random order or in an alternating pattern.

The Class II polymers may have a wide variety of molecular weights, ranging for example from 500-5,000,000, depending chiefly upon the desired end use. Additionally, n can range from about 1-10,000 and more preferably from about 1-5,000.

Preferred Class II polymers are usually synthesized using dicarboxylic acid monomers, as well as precursors and derivatives thereof. For example, polymers containing mono and dicarboxylic acid repeat units with vinyl ester repeat units and vinyl alcohol repeat units are contemplated; however, polymers principally comprised of dicarboxylic acid repeat units are preferred (e.g., at least about 85%, and more preferably at least about 93%, of the repeat units are of this character). Class II polymers may be readily complexed with salt-forming cations using conventional methods and reactants.

Synthesis of the Class II Polymers

In general, the Class II polymers are made by free radical polymerization serving to convert selected monomers into the desired polymers with repeat units. Such polymers may be further modified to impart particular structures and/or properties. A variety of techniques can be used for generating free radicals, such as addition of peroxides, hydroperoxides, azo initiators, persulfates, percarbonates, per-acid, charge transfer complexes, irradiation (e.g., UV, electron beam, X-ray, gamma-radiation and other ionizing radiation types), and combinations of these techniques. Of course, an extensive variety of methods and techniques are well known in the art of polymer chemistry for initiating free-radical polymerizations. Those enumerated herein are but some of the more frequently used methods and techniques. Any suitable technique for performing free-radical polymerization is likely to be useful for the purposes of practicing the present invention.

The polymerization reactions are carried out in a compatible solvent system, namely a system which does not unduly interfere with the desired polymerization, using essentially any desired monomer concentrations. A number of suitable aqueous or non-aqueous solvent systems can be employed, such as ketones, alcohols, esters, ethers, aromatic solvents, water and mixtures thereof. Water alone and the lower (C₁-C₄) ketones and alcohols are especially preferred, and these may be mixed with water if desired. In some instances, the polymerization reactions are carried out with the substantial exclusion of oxygen, and most usually under an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon. There is no particular criticality in the type of equipment used in the synthesis of the polymers, i.e., stirred tank reactors, continuous stirred tank reactors, plug flow reactors, tube reactors and any combination of the foregoing arranged in series may be employed. A wide range of suitable reaction arrangements are well known to the art of polymerization.

In general, the initial polymerization step is carried out at a temperature of from about 0° C. to about 120° C. (more preferably from about 30° C. to about 95° C. for a period of from about 0.25 hours to about 24 hours and even more preferably from about 0.25 hours to about 5 hours).

Usually, the reaction is carried out with continuous stirring.

After the polymerization reaction is complete, the Class II polymers may be converted to partial or saturated salts using conventional techniques and reactants.

Preferred Class II Maleic-Itaconic Polymers

The most preferred Class II polymers are composed of maleic and itaconic B′ and C′ repeat units and have the generalized formula

where X is either H or another salt-forming cation, depending upon the level of salt formation.

In a specific example of the synthesis of a maleic-itaconic Class II polymer, acetone (803 g), maleic anhydride (140 g), itaconic acid (185 g) and benzoyl peroxide (11 g) were stirred together under inert gas in a reactor. The reactor provided included a suitably sized cylindrical jacketed glass reactor with mechanical agitator, a contents temperature measurement device in contact with the contents of the reactor, an inert gas inlet, and a removable reflux condenser. This mixture was heated by circulating heated oil in the reactor jacket and stirred vigorously at an internal temperature of about 65-70° C. This reaction was carried out over a period of about 5 hours. At this point, the contents of the reaction vessel were poured into 300 g water with vigorous mixing. This gave a clear solution. The solution was subjected to distillation at reduced pressure to drive off excess solvent and water. After sufficient solvent and water have been removed, the solid product of the reaction precipitates from the concentrated solution, and is recovered. The solids are subsequently dried in vacuo. A schematic representation of this reaction is shown below.

Preferred Uses of the Novel Polymers of the Invention

The novel (Class I) polymers of the invention, either alone, as a part of a mixed polymer product, and/or with other ingredients, can be used in a variety of contexts, some of which are described below. All of the previous disclosures relating to the Class I, IA, and II polymers is applicable to each of the uses described below, i.e., the entirety of the previous polymer disclosures should be considered as incorporated by reference into each of the following categories of use. Likewise, any definitions set forth in the categories of use are to be considered as applicable to all such categories.

1. Agricultural Actives

The Class I polymers hereof (with or without complexed ions) may be used directly as agricultural actives. For example, such polymers may be dispersed in a liquid aqueous medium and applied foliarly to plant leaves or applied to the earth adjacent growing plants. It has been found that the polymers increase the plant's uptake of both polymer-borne metal nutrients and ambient non-polymer nutrients found in adjacent soil. In such uses, effective amounts of compositions comprising the above-defined polymers are employed, either in liquid dispersions or in dried, granular form. Thus, application of polymer alone results in improved plant growth characteristics, presumably by increasing the availability of naturally occurring ambient nutrients. Typically, the polymers are applied at a level of from about 0.001 to about 100 lbs. polymer per acre of soil or growing plants, and more preferably from about 0.005 to about 50 lbs. polymer per acre, and still more preferably from about 0.01 to about 2 lbs.

2. Fertilizer Uses

In other preferred uses, the Class I polymers may be used to form composite products where the polymers are in intimate contact with fertilizer products including but not limited to phosphate-based fertilizers such as MAP, DAP, triple superphosphate, ordinary superphosphate, any one of a number of well known N—P—K fertilizer products, and/or fertilizers containing nitrogen materials such as ammonia (anhydrous or aqueous), ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, urea, ammonium phosphates, sodium nitrate, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, nitrate of soda, urea formaldehyde, metal (e.g., zinc, iron) ammonium phosphates; phosphorous materials such as calcium phosphates (normal phosphate and super phosphate), ammonium phosphate, ammoniated super phosphate, phosphoric acid, superphosphoric acid, basic slag, rock phosphate, colloidal phosphate, bone phosphate; potassium materials such as potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate, potassium phosphate, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate; calcium materials, such as calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, calcium nitrate; magnesium materials, such as magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide; sulfur materials such as ammonium sulfate, sulfates of other fertilizers discussed herein, ammonium thiosulfate, elemental sulfur (either alone or included with or coated on other fertilizers); micronutrients such as Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, B, Mo, and other micronutrients discussed herein; oxides, sulfates, chlorides, and chelates of such micronutrients (e.g., zinc oxide, zinc sulfate and zinc chloride); such chelates sequestered onto other carriers such as EDTA; boron materials such as boric acid, sodium borate or calcium borate; organic wastes and waste waters such as manure, sewage, food processing industry by-products, and pulp and paper mill by-products; and molybdenum materials such as sodium molybdate. As known in the art, these fertilizer products can exist as dry powders/granules or as water dispersions. The fertilizers may be of the conventional variety, or they may be starter fertilizers.

In such contexts, the Class I polymers may be mixed with the fertilizer products, applied as a surface coating to the fertilizer products, or otherwise thoroughly mixed with the fertilizer products. Preferably, in such combined fertilizer/polymer compositions, the fertilizer is in the form of particles having an average diameter of from about powder size (less than about 0.001 cm) to about 10 mm, more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm, and still more preferably from about 0.15 mm to about 3 mm. The polymer is present in such combined products at a level of from about 0.01 g to about 7 g polymer per 100 g fertilizer (e.g., phosphate-based fertilizer), more preferably from about 0.08 g to about 5 g polymer per 100 g fertilizer, and still more preferably from about 0.09 g to about 2 g polymer per 100 g fertilizer. Again, the polymeric fraction of such combined products may include the polymers defined above, or such polymers complexed with the aforementioned ions. In the case of the combined fertilizer/polymer products, the combined product is applied at a level so that the amount of polymer applied is from about 10-150 g polymer per acre of soil, more preferably from about 30-125 g polymer per acre, and still more preferably from about 40-120 g polymer per acre of soil. The combined products can likewise be applied as liquid dispersions or as dry granulated products, at the discretion of the user. When polymers in accordance with the present invention are used as a coating, the polymer comprises between about 0.005% and about 15% by weight of the coated fertilizer product, more preferably the polymer comprises between about 0.01% and about 10% by weight of the coated fertilizer product, and most preferably between 0.5% and about 1% by weight of the coated fertilizer product. It has been found that polymer-coated fertilizer products obtain highly desirable characteristics due to the alteration of mechanical and physical properties of the fertilizer.

Especially preferred Class I polymers for use in agricultural contexts are synthesized as partial sodium salts and include the following repeat units: maleic—from about 20-55 mole percent, more preferably from about 25-50 mole percent, and most preferably from about 30-45 mole percent; itaconic—from about 35-65 mole percent, more preferably from about 40-60 mole percent, and most preferably about 50 mole percent; total sulfonated—from about 2-40 mole percent, more preferably from about 3-25 mole percent, and most preferably from about 5-20 mole percent. The total sulfonated fraction is preferably made up of a combination of methallylsulfonic and allylsulfonic repeat units, namely, methallylsulfonic—from about 1-20 mole percent, more preferably from about 3-15 mole percent, and most preferably from about 4-6 mole percent, and allylsulfonic—from about 0.1-10 mole percent, more preferably from about 0.5-8 mole percent, and most preferably from about 1-5 mole percent. These types of polymers are typically converted to partial or complete salts (preferably using cations such as alkali metal, ammonium, zinc, and mixtures thereof) at a pH of from about 0.2-4, more preferably from about 0.3-3, and most preferably from about 1-2.5.

As mentioned, these preferred agricultural-use Class I polymers are advantageously initially synthesized as partial sodium salts. This is due to the fact that the most preferred sulfonated repeat units are derived from the sodium salts, for reasons of cost and availability.

One preferred polymer of this type is a partial sodium salt having a pH of about 1, with a repeat unit molar composition of maleic 45 mole percent, itaconic 50 mole percent, methallylsulfonic 4 mole percent, and allylsulfonic 1 mole percent. This specific polymer is referred to herein as the “T5” polymer.

Useful variants of the T5 polymer include mixed sodium and zinc partial salts having about 5% w/w Zn on a metals basis and with a pH of about 3. It is made by reacting the T5 tetrapolymer with basic zinc carbonate in water. Alternately, the product may be made by reaction with zinc metal.

Another type of preferred polymer is a “T-20” tetrapolymer containing about 30 mole percent maleic repeat units, about 50 mole percent itaconic repeat units, and a total of about 20 mole percent sulfonated repeat units, made up of about 15 mole percent methallylsulfonate repeat units and about 5 mole percent allylsulfonate repeat units. Variants of T-20 tetrapolymers include partial salts (preferably alkali metal, ammonium, zinc, and mixtures thereof) having a pH of from about 1-3. One such variant is a partial mix sodium and ammonium salt at a pH of about 2.5, made by adding ammonia to the partial T-20 sodium salt aqueous solution until the target pH is achieved. This polymer has a significant lipophyllic character and is useful in pesticide-containing formulations.

Preferred formulations for coating granular nitrogenous fertilizers (e.g., urea) include a novel tetrapolymer of the invention (preferably T5 polymer), boric acid, low molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol, and water. For example, such coating formulations may have from about 20-50% w/w (most preferably about 34% w/w) tetrapolymer, from about 0.1-5% w/w (more preferably about 1.5% w/w) low molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol, and from about 25-60% w/w (most preferably about 57.5% w/w) water. Such formulations are compatible with colorant dyes and provide superior coating performance.

Preferred formulations for addition to liquid nitrogenous fertilizers include a novel tetrapolymer of the invention in the form of a mixed calcium/sodium salt (preferably T5 polymer), lactic acid, boric acid, and water at a pH of from about 0.5-3. For example, such formulations may have from about 20-50% w/w (most preferably about 35.5% w/w) tetrapolymer, from about 20-40% w/w (more preferably about 30% w/w) lactic acid, from about 2-10% w/w (more preferably about 4.5% w/w) and from about 20-45% w/w (most preferably about 30% w/w) water.

Example 5—Evaluation of Tetrapolymer Partial Salt as a Phosphorus Fertilizer Enhancer

The above-described ammonium/sodium tetrapolymer Salt B was tested to determine its ability to prevent fixation of phosphorus in dispersions. In soils, the fixing of phosphorus (phosphates) with cations, such as Ca, Mn, Mg, Al, and Fe, limit phosphorus uptake by plants, which in turn depresses yields. This soil interaction can be simulated in water using water-soluble phosphates (P2O5) in dispersion. These dispersions create an ideal environment for fixation testing, with visible precipitation of phosphates being determined.

A first stock dispersion of 1000 ppm free calcium ion made from calcium chloride was prepared and aliquots thereof were pipetted into eight separate 50 mL Erlenmeyer flasks, followed by dilution with deionized water to 50 mL of total volume. This yielded two sets of flasks nos. 1 and 2, each set having four individual flasks respectively containing 10, 100, 500, and 1000 ppm of free calcium ion in water.

A second stock dispersion of 1000 ppm free iron ion made from ferrous sulfate was also created and pipetted into eight additional Erlenmeyer flasks to create two sets of flasks nos. 3 and 4, each set having four individual flasks respectively containing 10, 100, 500, and 1000 ppm of free iron ion in water.

The B tetrapolymer partial salt (a sodium/ammonium salt, pH about 2.5) was added to the flasks of sets 1 and 3 at a rate of 0.50% (v/v) to represent a typical liquid fertilizer usage rate. Sets 2 and 4 were left untreated as controls. A 1% by weight phosphate dispersion was made using standard 10-34-0 liquid phosphate fertilizer, and this was pipetted into all 16 of the Erlenmeyer flasks in a stepwise fraction, using 0.5 mL aliquots, up to a total of 5.0 mL phosphate dispersion. The extent of phosphate precipitation was recorded after each aliquot was added to the flasks, using a percentage scale where 0% was clear and colorless, and 100% was a solid opaque precipitate (lower concentrations of cations did not reach 100% and were completely bonded at a level of about 75% precipitate). The results of these tests are set forth in the following Tables 1 and 2.

Example 5

TABLE 1 Ca Flasks, Sets 1 and 2 Phosphate Addition - mL Ca Reaction Flasks 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 10 ppm 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 10 ppm w/ Polymer 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100 ppm 0% 30% 60% 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% 100 ppm w/ Polymer 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 500 ppm 10% 40% 70% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 500 ppm w/ Polymer 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 20% 30% 50% 100% 100% 1000 ppm 30% 60% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 1000 ppm w/ Polymer 0% 0% 0% 0% 20% 40% 70% 100% 100% 100%

Example 5

TABLE 2 Fe Flasks, Sets 3 and 4 Phosphate Addition - mL Fe Reaction Flasks 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 10 ppm 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 10 ppm w/ Polymer 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100 ppm 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100 ppm w/ Polymer 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 500 ppm 40% 80% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 500 ppm w/ Polymer 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 25% 50% 100% 100% 1000 ppm 70% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 1000 ppm w/ Polymer 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 20% 40% 80% 100% 100%

As is evident from the foregoing data, the polymers of the invention significantly reduced precipitation in all of the Ca and Fe reaction flasks, save for the 10 ppm dispersions, which had no precipitation at any level of phosphate addition. In the Ca reaction flasks at 100 ppm, the polymer-supplemented flasks exhibited no precipitation at any level of phosphate addition, whereas the 100 ppm flask with no polymer exhibited significant precipitation (corresponding to prevention of phosphorus fixation) beginning at the 1.5 mL level. Similarly, in the Fe reaction flasks at 500 and 1000 ppm phosphate addition levels, the performance of the polymer-supplemented flasks was significantly better than the no-polymer flasks.

3. Uses with Sulfur-Bearing Compounds

One particularly important agricultural utility of the novel Class I polymers of the invention is the ability of the polymers to enhance the agricultural effectiveness of sulfur-bearing compounds such as gypsum, one or more members of the Kieserite Group, potassium magnesium sulfate, elemental sulfur, and mixtures thereof. The polymers may be applied as surface coatings as solid fertilizers, or may be added to solutionized liquid fertilizers as a liquid; this combined liquid material may then be sprayed on soils prior to planting. Moreover, the polymers liberate soluble calcium and soluble sulfur-containing species from gypsum and other minerals in compositions containing significant amounts of calcium sulfate. Calcium sulfate exists in a wide range of forms, crystal structures, hydration levels, and particle morphologies, but the calcium sulfate content thereof has been difficult to exploit for plant nutrition purposes, owing to the poor solubility of the calcium and sulfur-containing species therein.

It has been found that the addition of comparatively small levels of the novel polymers of the invention applied to solid calcium sulfate or calcium sulfate-containing materials serves to increase the liberation of calcium and soluble sulfur species from calcium sulfate or similar materials. Generally, the polymers are used at a level of from about 0.01-10% w/w, more preferably from about 0.05-2% w/w, where the total weight of the polymer/calcium sulfate or calcium sulfate-containing products is taken as 100% by weight.

Example 6—Class I Tetrapolymer Treatment of Gypsum

In this test, granulated gypsum was coated with the T5 polymer, which was diluted with water to give a polymer content of about 40% w/w. This polymeric material was applied to the gypsum at a rate of 0.50% w/w.

Three no-polymer gypsum controls were run for each test, along with three gypsum polymer-added replications. In each test, a 1 g sample of the uncoated or coated gypsum was placed in a 50 mL Erlenmeyer flask, followed by the addition of 10 mL of water and shaking on a reciprocating shaker at low setting for a selected period of time. After the selected shaking period, the content of each flask was filtered into a 50 mL centrifuge tube through Whatman 1 filter paper. Thereupon, the pH of the filtered solution was measured and the solution was then diluted 10 times with 2.0% nitric acid and analyzed via inductively coupled plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for sulfur and calcium content. The pH of the filtered solution was also recorded. The results are set forth in the following tables.

Example 6

TABLE 1 20 min. shake % Ca % S pH % Ca mean % S mean Control Samples 1.55 1.69 6.96 1.81 2.04 Rep. 2 2.17 2.43 6.7 Rep. 3 1.72 2.00 6.58 T5 Polymer Samples 1.41 1.54 5.99 1.86 2.11 Rep. 2 1.96 2.26 6.14 Rep. 3 2.20 2.53 6.17

Example 6

TABLE 2 60 min. shake % Ca % S pH % Ca mean % S mean Control Samples 1.71 1.91 7.08 1.74 1.98 Rep. 2 1.72 1.99 7.13 Rep. 3 1.78 2.06 7.25 T5 Polymer Samples 1.46 1.61 6.00 1.87 2.12 Rep. 2 1.86 2.12 6.05 Rep. 3 2.31 2.64 6.48

Example 6

TABLE 3 240 min. shake % Ca % S pH % Ca mean % S mean Control Samples 1.72 1.93 6.94 1.81 2.10 Rep. 2 1.93 2.24 7.32 Rep. 3 1.77 2.12 7.23 T5 Polymer Samples 1.52 1.69 6.32 2.09 2.35 Rep. 2 1.99 2.20 6.45 Rep. 3 2.76 3.17 6.35

Example 6

TABLE 4 24 hr. shake % Ca % S pH % Ca mean % S mean Control Samples 1.88 2.14 7.24 1.82 2.10 Rep. 2 1.84 2.10 7.21 Rep. 3 1.73 2.07 7.24 T5 Polymer Samples 2.00 2.19 6.79 2.10 2.35 Rep. 2 1.96 2.23 6.95 Rep. 3 2.36 2.62 6.53

As can be seen, as the shake time increased, the amount of free sulfur and calcium increased significantly over the controls, confirming that the T5 polymer gypsum coating increased the amount of available sulfur for plant uptake.

Still further increased availability of sulfur and calcium can be obtained using a coating mixture comprising 35% w/w T5 tetrapolymer, about 2% w/w low molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol, and about 40% w/w glycolic acid, with the balance being water. By removing most of the water and adding glycolic acid and PVA, improved coating behaviors were noted, allowing smaller quantities of polymer to be used.

4. Uses with Liquid or Solutionized Fertilizers

Use of alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid compounds with the polymers of the invention in the context of liquid or solutionized fertilizers can yield improved results. The alpha-hydroxiy acids may be used singly or in mixtures of 2 or more acids. The most useful alpha-hydroxy acids are saturated and essentially free of double bonds and carbon ring structures, including both aliphatic and aromatic ring structures (i.e., no more than about 5 mole percent of double bonds or ring structures). Such alpha-hydroxy acids possess at least one carboxylic acid functional group and have at least one hydroxyl group on the carbon atom adjacent to the carboxylate group. Especially preferred acids of this character include lactic acid (D, L, or racemic mixtures are useful), glycolic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, tartronic acid, glyceric acid, and dihydroxypropanedioic acid. The alpha-hydroxy acids may have more than one carboxylic acid functional group per molecule, more than one alphahydroxyl group, or any combination thereof. The preferred polymer/alpha-hydroxy acid formulations generally include from about 10-45% w/w, more preferably from about 15-35% w/w, of the polymers of the invention, which preferably includes at least one Class I polymer; from about 3-60% w/w, more preferably from about 10-40% w/w, of alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid(s); and the balance being an inert solvent, preferably water. The foregoing ranges are based upon the total weight of the formulations taken as 100% by weight. The following representative formulation has been found to be particularly useful for use with liquid or solutionized fertilizers, especially solutionized gypsum: 35% w/w of the previously described T5 polymer, 30% w/w of glycolic acid, and with the balance being water.

The polymer/alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid formulations may be further improved with the addition of polyvinyl alcohols (PVA's) thereto. While essentially all PVA's are useful, preferred PVA's are of relatively low average molecular weight, such that a 4% w/w solution of the PVA's in water at 20° C. ranges between about 1-1000 centipoise. Very small amounts of PVA's may be used in a range of from about 0.1% w/w-10% w/w of the total composition, and more preferably from about 0.05% w/w-2% w/w. It is also possible to use more than one molecular weight of PVA, but the PVA combinations advantageously are within the above viscosity ranges. Still further, preferred PVA's have high levels of hydrolysis, where at least 97 mole percent, and preferably at least about 98 mole percent, of the functional groups are hydrolyzed. A representative composition for use with gypsum includes 35% w/w of the T5 polymer, 30% w/w of glycolic acid, 1.5% w/w PVA (e.g., DuPont Elvanol 70-03), and the balance being water.

The pH levels of the liquid or solutionized fertilizers including the alpha-hydroxy acid formulations should be from about 0.5-3, more preferably about 1.

Example 7—Addition of Class I Tetrapolymer to UAN

In this series of tests, standard UAN was supplemented with 0.50% by weight of a mixture containing 35.5% by weight partial calcium salt of the T5 polymer (pH about 1.0), 4.5% by weight boric acid, 30% by weight lactic acid, with the balance being water. This material was used at a level of 40 gal/acre corresponding to 120 lbs of nitrogen/acre with different types of planted hybrid corn seeds. Comparative tests were also performed using no-polymer UAN, and UAN supplemented with the recommended label amount of commercially available NutriSphere-N for liquid fertilizers. All of the tests were done in 6 replications with the liquid fertilizers broadcast applied before emergence, two days after planting. Corn yields were recorded for each test and averaged.

Example 7

TABLE 1 UAN Treatment Hybrid Yield (Bu/acre) None CL2133 106.2 +NutriSphere-N 121.6 +T5 mixture 148.6 None INT9333 115.8 +NutriSphere-N 137.6 +T5 mixture 140.6 None P8210HR 124.1 +NutriSphere-N 129 +T5 mixture 139.8 None DK30-23 91.9 +NutriSphere-N 93.9 +T5 mixture 139.7

5. Specific Uses with Potassium-Containing Granular Fertilizers

Another significant agricultural utility of the Class I polymers of the invention involves use with potassium-containing granular fertilizers in order to decrease fertilizer losses. That is, the polymers may be applied directly to at least partially water soluble granular potassium fertilizer, and especially potassium chloride-based fertilizers, at a level of from about 0.001-10% by weight, more preferably from about 0.004-2% by weight, based upon the total weight of the polymer/potassium fertilizer material taken as 100% by weight. In order to form suitable coatings on these fertilizers without generation of significant amounts of hydrochloric acid, it is generally preferred that the polymers be neutralized with a suitable cation to a pH of from about 0.1-4, and more preferably about 1. One preferred formulation involves creating a partial salt of the T5 polymer (at a concentration of 50% w/w) in aqueous dispersion at 20° C. by reacting the polymer with 45% w/w potassium hydroxide to reach a pH of about 0.1-4. The resulting dispersion is adjusted by evaporation and water addition to give a 40% w/w solids dispersion at room temperature. This composition, referred to as “T5-K—Na,” is coated onto commercial potassium chloride granules at a level of from about 0.001% w/w-5% w/w.

It has been found that use of the novel polymers of the invention is not essential in formulations including soluble potassium-containing solids. Thus, this aspect of the invention contemplates provision of formulations comprising a mixture of a Class I and/or Class II polymer (having at least about 10%, more preferably at least about 25%, of the functional groups thereon being anionic) in partial or complete salt form, with substantially all of the cations therein being alkaline metal and at a pH between about 0.5-3, and more preferably about 1. Such formulations are applied to at least partially soluble potassium-containing solids and allowed to dry, so that the dried residue thereof is applied to the surface of the solids. The same levels of use described above with reference to the calcium sulfate products are applicable to these potassium products as well. The polymer is usually present at a level of from about 0.001-10% by weight, more preferably from about 0.004-2% by weight, based upon the total weight of the polymer/potassium-containing solids product taken as 100% by weight.

6. Uses as Seed Coatings

Another alternative use of the Class I polymers in accordance with the present invention includes using the polymers as seed coatings. In such cases, the polymers comprise at least about 0.001-10% by weight of the coated seed, more preferably from about 0.004-2% by weight of the coated seed. Use of the polymer as a seed coating provides polymer in close proximity to the seed when planted so that the polymer can exert its beneficial effects in the environment where it is most needed. That is, the new polymers provide an environment conducive to enhanced plant growth in the area where the effects can be localized around the desired plant. In the case of seeds, the polymer coating provides an enhanced opportunity for seed germination, subsequent plant growth, and an increase in plant nutrient availability, which is provided by the polymer salts.

In preferred practice, the Class I polymers are in aqueous dispersion and have a relatively high metals content, and particularly micronutrient metals, such as Zn, Mn, B, Fe, Mo, and Cu, to provide sufficient micronutrients for optimum seed growth. Moreover, the polymers are desirably solutions relatively free of suspended or settled solids for reasons of homogeneity and cosmetic appearance, and should have a pH in the range of from about 2-8, and preferably from about 5-7. In practice, the polymers are applied to the surfaces of seeds in any convenient fashion, and allowed to dry thereon, so that the finished seeds have the dried residue of the original liquid polymer and nutrients on the surfaces thereof.

7. Uses in Reducing Atmospheric Ammonia

The novel Class I polymers hereof may be used to treat livestock or poultry confinement facilities in order to reduce and mitigate the effects of gaseous ammonia within the facility. Generally, such facilities have a manure collection zone, upright walls forming an enclosure, and a roof substantially covering the zone. This utility involves applying a treatment material to the manure within the collection zone in an amount effective to lower the concentration of gaseous ammonia within the facility. Such material comprises an aqueous mixture of a polymer in accordance with the present invention, and particularly an amine, alkali metal or alkaline earth (e.g., calcium or ammonium) partial or saturated salt of the polymer. Preferably, the treating mixture is applied directly into the collection zone (e.g., manure pit) below the enclosure. The treating material including the polymer hereof should be applied at a level of from about 0.005-3 gallons per ton of manure, and more preferably from about 0.01-2.5 gallons per ton. The composition is preferably acidic having a pH of from about 1-5, and more preferably from about 2-4. The treating material is operable to reduce the amount of gaseous ammonia within the confinement zone within 24 hours after application of the materials.

U.S. Patent Publication 2014/0041431 is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This publication describes techniques for reducing atmospheric ammonia through use of Class II polymers. These same techniques without alteration can be used with the Class I polymers of this invention, and also all different mixtures of Class I, Class IA, and Class II polymers.

It is sometimes useful to employ a plurality of different polymers in the treating compositions. For example, useful compositions may include from about 40-80% (more preferably 55-75%) by weight of a partial calcium salt of a Class I polymer of the invention, and from about 20-60% (more preferably 25-45%) by weight of a partial ammonium salt of the same or different polymer in accordance with the invention. Both of these polymers are in the form of 40% w/w aqueous dispersions, so that the total amount of polymer per se in each is 40% of the above-recited ranges.

The polymers of the invention (i.e., Class I polymers, or different mixtures of Class I, Class IA, and Class II polymers) may also be used, alone or in combination with other polymers, to treat areas subject to ammonia gas evolution, e.g., household pet litters, in order to reduce the ammonia odor emanating therefrom.

The complete treatment materials should preferably contain at least about 30-60% by weight (more preferably from about 35-50% by weight) polymer solids derived from all of the polymers present in the treatment materials, and from about 40-70% by weight (more preferably from about 50-65% by weight) water. Other ingredients may be used apart from the polymers and water, such as pH adjustment agents, buffering agents, preservatives, and emulsifiers. Any such other ingredients are preferably used at a minor level, e.g., from about 1-10% by weight. The pH of the complete treating materials should be acidic, preferably from about 1-5, more preferably from about 2-4.

When the preferred treating materials comprise calcium and ammonium partial salts of the polymers, it is desirable that the amount of the calcium partial salt polymer is greater than the amount of the ammonium partial salt polymer, on a weight basis. That is, taking the total weight of both polymer salt solids as 100% by weight, the calcium partial salt copolymer solids should be present at a level of from about 50-80% by weight (more preferably from about 55-75% by weight, and most preferably from about 60-65% by weight), and the ammonium partial salt copolymer solids should be present at a level of from about 20-50% by weight (more preferably from about 25-45% by weight, and most preferably from about 35-40% by weight).

Application of the dual partial salt copolymer materials of the invention is quite straightforward. In the case of manure collection pits, the material need only be poured onto the top of the manure and will quite readily spread and diffuse throughout the mass of the manure to promptly reduce the amount of gaseous nitrogen generated and maintained within the confinement facility. In the case of dairy or poultry barns having floor structures with litter and manure atop or mixed with the litter, the treating material is advantageously sprayed onto the top of the litter-manure mixture, with or without mixing. Here again, the action of the treating material is quite prompt and long-lasting.

Generally, the treating mixtures are used at a level of from about 0.005-3 gallons of the material per ton of manure, more preferably from about 0.01-2.5 gallons/ton, still more preferably from about 0.02-1 gallon per ton, and most preferably from about 0.03-0.035 gallon per ton.

Almost immediately upon application of the treating material to the manure, the amount of gaseous ammonia within the confinement facility is perceptibly lowered, and such reduction persists for a considerable time. Generally, the prevailing amount of gaseous ammonia should be reduced by at least about 50% (more preferably at least about 60%) within 24 hours after application. A single treatment also preferably serves to maintain at least about a 30% gaseous ammonia reduction (more preferably at least about 40%) for at least about 14 days (more preferably at least about 21 days).

8. Uses as Animal Feed and/or Water Amendments

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/049,887, filed Oct. 9, 2013, discloses the use of Class I and/or Class II polymers as animal feed or water amendments serving to lower ammonia concentrations in the animal's excrement. That application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The methods, animal feeds, and animal waters disclosed therein can be directly duplicated, without any alternations, in the context of the present invention save for the use of any mixture of Class I, Class IA, and Class II polymers hereof. Thus, the types of polymer salts, the range of polymer solids, and the amounts of water remain the same in the present invention. Likewise, the same specific methods of use may be employed in the context of the present invention, with the only difference being the particular polymers utilized.

For example, conventional poultry feeds comprising feed ingredients including quantities of corn and soybean meal can be improved using the amendments containing Class I polymers alone or in combination with other polymers, such as the Class IA and Class II polymers. In like manner, poultry water may be supplemented in the same fashion. In either instance, the amount of amendment used should be sufficient to reduce volatilized ammonia derived from the feces of poultry, as compared with poultry receiving the same feed and/or water, but without the amendments. Similarly, mammalian animal feeds and waters can be improved by the addition of the copolymers of the invention, again in amounts sufficient to reduce volatilized ammonia derived from mammalian excrement, as compared with animals receiving the same feed and/or water, but without the amendments.

The complete amendments should preferably contain at least about 30-60% by weight of total copolymer solids (more preferably from about 35-50% by weight solids), and from about 40-70% by weight water (most preferably from about 50-65% water). However, the amendments may also include other ingredients apart from the two partial salt copolymers and water, such as pH adjustment agents, buffering agents, preservatives, and emulsifiers. Any such other ingredients are preferably used at a minor level, e.g., from about 1-10% by weight. The pH of the complete amendments should be acid, preferably from about 1-5, more preferably from about 2-4.

A preferred amendment comprises an aqueous mixture including a partial calcium salt of a Class I copolymer and a partial ammonium salt of a Class I copolymer, the calcium partial salt copolymer solids should be present in an amount greater than the amount of the ammonium partial salt copolymer solids therein. That is, taking the total weight of both copolymer salt solids as 100% by weight, the calcium partial salt copolymer solids should be present at a level of from about 50-80% by weight (more preferably from about 55-75% by weight, and most preferably from about 60-65% by weight), and the ammonium partial salt copolymer solids should be present at a level of from about 20-50% by weight (more preferably from about 25-45% by weight, and most preferably from about 35-40% by weight). Also, the individual copolymer salts in water should both have a pH on the order of from about 1-4.

Generally speaking, the amendments of the invention are administered to animals by adding the amendments to otherwise conventional animal feeds, and/or adding the amendments to the animal water supply, or both.

In the case of poultry, use can be made of commercially available or custom poultry feeds, which are typically substantially dry and particulate in nature. Such feeds typically contain yellow corn at a level of from about 45-65% by weight, together with soybean at a level of from about 18-45% by weight. These feeds also commonly include a variety of other ingredients, such as meat and bone meals, fats, salt, limestone or oyster shell, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, and have analyses of protein (N×6.25) of from about 15-32%, and a Metabolizable Energy (ME) value of from about 1100-1600 kcal/lb. Further information about conventional poultry feeds can be found in Poultry Nutrition and Feeding, Section 12, Animal Nutrition Handbook, pp. 316-331 (2009), which is wholly incorporated herein by reference. The amendments of the invention, typically in aqueous liquid form, are sprayed or otherwise applied to the dry poultry feed ingredients with mixing, to substantially intersperse the copolymer materials with the feed ingredients. The improved feed is then fed ad libitum to poultry. The complete water/copolymer salt amendments should be present in an improved feed at a level of from about 0.05-0.25% by weight (more preferably from about 0.1-0.2% by weight), where the total weight of the supplemented or amended feed is taken as 100% by weight. This corresponds to a level of from about 0.015-0.15% by weight (more preferably 0.03-0.12% by weight) of copolymer solids per se in the poultry feed.

In the case of adding the complete water/copolymer salt amendments to poultry water, the usage would typically be at a level of from about 0.01-0.25% by volume, more preferably from about 0.05-0.2% by volume, where the total amount of supplemented or amended water is taken as 100% by volume. This corresponds to a level of from about 0.003-0.15% by volume (more preferably 0.0045-0.12% by volume) of the copolymer solids per se in the poultry water. Inasmuch as the preferred partial salt copolymers of the invention and the MTM® product, are water soluble, the complete amendments readily mix and evenly disperse in the poultry water.

The amendments of the invention, used either with poultry feed or poultry water can be fed to virtually any poultry, e.g., chicken, duck, goose, peafowl, swan, ostrich, pigeon, turkey, guineafowl, pheasant, rhea, and emu.

Where the complete amendments are employed to supplement mammalian animal feeds and/or waters, the same general techniques and amounts of complete amendments and copolymers are employed. For example, the amendments may be directly mixed with animal feeds or used as a top dressing thereon. Likewise, the animals' water supply is supplemented as described previously. The fact that the copolymers are water soluble greater facilitates uses thereof. The amendments of the invention may be fed to a wide variety of livestock, e.g., mammals such as cattle, sheep, swine, and horses.

As indicated above, it is preferred that the amendments of the invention be used in the form of aqueous mixtures containing copolymer salt(s). However, and especially in the case of amendments to poultry or animal waters, the copolymer solids can be added as is, and not in a complete water/copolymer amendment. In such instances, the above ranges of addition of the copolymers themselves are applicable.

9. Pesticide Adjuvants

The Class I polymers of the invention can be used to enhance the effectiveness of a wide spectrum of pesticides. As used herein, “pesticide” refers to any agent with pesticidal activity (e.g., herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and nematocides) and is preferably selected from the group consisting of insecticides, herbicides, and mixtures thereof, but normally excluding materials which assertedly have a plant-fertilizing effect, for example, sodium borate and zinc compounds such as zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, and zinc chloride. The well known pyrethroid and organophosphate pesticides are suitable for use in the invention, as well as glyphosate and glufosinate herbicides.

In some cases, the polymer, which may be in the free acid, partial, or full salt form, is in aqueous dispersion and has a pH of from about 1-10, more preferably from about 2-7, and most preferably from 2-4, 7, and 8-9; the pH is often determined by the type of pesticide employed, inasmuch as some may be unstable in low pH ranges, while others break down at higher pH ranges. The polymers may be blended with the pesticide to form a mixture which then can be applied to soil, in foliar applications, onto hard surfaces, as aerosols, as additives to liquid or solid compositions (e.g., manure), or in any other context where pesticidal activity is desired. Alternately, the pesticide and polymer may be simultaneously or sequentially (typically within 24 hours of each other) applied to soil. Where mixed compositions are employed, they are typically in the form of aqueous dispersions, generally having water, pesticide, and polymer fractions. Other minor ingredients may also be used in the compositions such as surfactants and pH adjustment agents, or any of the other aforementioned adjuvants or additives known in the art. Compositions comprising a polymer of the invention and micronutrients have also proven to be very effective, with micronutrients selected from the group consisting of Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Mo, V, Cr, Fe, and B, with a combination of Mn, Zn, and Cu being particularly preferred. Micronutrient-supplemented polymers can be used with glyphosate, to avoid the characteristic blocking reactions between glyphosate and micronutrients.

The amount of polymer in the pesticide compositions of the invention can vary over wide limits, and the principal consideration is one of polymer cost. Generally, the polymer should be present at a level of from about 0.05-10% by weight (more preferably from about 0.1-4% by weight, and most preferably from about 0.2-2% by weight) based upon the total weight of the pesticide composition taken as 100% by weight.

The pesticides used in the compositions of the invention are broadly selected from insecticides and herbicides. In the context of insecticides, synthetic pyrethroids and organophosphates are particularly preferred. For example, permethrin (C21H20Cl203, (3-phenoxyphenyl) methyl 3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-cyclopropane-1-carboxylate, CAS#52645-53-1) and bifenthrin (C23H22ClF302, (2-methyl-3-phenylphenyl) methyl (1S,3S)-3-[(Z)-2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-enyl]-2,2-dimethyl cyclopropane-1-carboxylate, CAS#82657-04-3) are suitable pyrethroids. A typical organophosphate pesticide useful in the invention is malathion (C10H1906PS2, 2-(dimethoxyphosphinothioylthio) butanedioic acid diethyl ester, CAS#121-75-5).

More generally, the following insecticides are useful in the invention:

-   antibiotic insecticides: allosamidin, thuringiensin     -   macrocyclic lactone insecticides         -   avermectin insecticides: abamectin, doramectin, emamectin,             eprinomectin, ivermectin, selamectin         -   milbemycin insecticides: lepimectin, ilbemectin, milbemycin             oxime, moxidectin         -   spinosyn insecticides: spinetoram, spinosad -   arsenical insecticides: calcium arsenate, copper acetoarsenite,     copper arsenate, lead arsenate, potassium arsenite, sodium arsenite -   botanical insecticides: anabasine, azadirachtin, d-limonene,     nicotine, pyrethrins (cinerins (cinerin I, cinerin II), jasmolin I,     jasmolin II, pyrethrin I, pyrethrin II), quassia, rotenone, ryania,     sabadilla -   carbamate insecticides: bendiocarb, carbaryl     -   benzofuranyl methylcarbamate insecticides: benfuracarb,         carbofuran, carbosulfan, decarbofuran, furathiocarb     -   dimethylcarbamate insecticides: dimetan, dimetilan, hyquincarb,         pirimicarb     -   oxime carbamate insecticides: alanycarb, aldicarb, aldoxycarb,         butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim, methomyl, nitrilacarb, oxamyl,         tazimcarb, thiocarboxime, thiodicarb, thiofanox     -   phenyl methylcarbamate insecticides: allyxycarb, aminocarb,         bufencarb, butacarb, carbanolate, cloethocarb, dicresyl,         dioxacarb, EMPC, ethiofencarb, fenethacarb, fenobucarb,         isoprocarb, methiocarb, metolcarb, mexacarbate, promacyl,         promecarb, propoxur, trimethacarb, XMC, xylylcarb -   desiccant insecticides: boric acid, diatomaceous earth, silica gel -   diamide insecticides: chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole,     flubendiamide -   dinitrophenol insecticides: dinex, dinoprop, dinosam, DNOC -   fluorine insecticides: barium hexafluorosilicate, cryolite, sodium     fluoride, sodium hexafluorosilicate, sulfluramid -   formamidine insecticides: amitraz, chlordimeform, formetanate,     formparanate -   fumigant insecticides: acrylonitrile, carbon disulfide, carbon     tetrachloride, chloroform, chloropicrin, para-dichlorobenzene,     1,2-dichloropropane, ethyl formate, ethylene dibromide, ethylene     dichloride, ethylene oxide, hydrogen cyanide, iodomethane, methyl     bromide, methylchloroform, methylene chloride, naphthalene,     phosphine, sulfuryl fluoride, tetrachloroethane -   inorganic insecticides: borax, boric acid, calcium polysulfide,     copper oleate, diatomaceous earth, mercurous chloride, potassium     thiocyanate, silica gel, sodium thiocyanate, see also arsenical     insecticides, see also fluorine insecticides -   insect growth regulators     -   chitin synthesis inhibitors: bistrifluron, buprofezin,         chlorfluazuron, cyromazine, diflubenzuron, flucycloxuron,         flufenoxuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, novaluron, noviflumuron,         penfluron, teflubenzuron, triflumuron     -   juvenile hormone mimics: epofenonane, fenoxycarb, hydroprene,         kinoprene, methoprene, pyriproxyfen, triprene     -   juvenile hormones: juvenile hormone I, juvenile hormone II,         juvenile hormone III     -   moulting hormone agonists: chromafenozide, halofenozide,         methoxyfenozide, tebufenozide     -   moulting hormones: a-ecdysone, ecdysterone     -   moulting inhibitors: diofenolan     -   precocenes: precocene I, precocene II, precocene III     -   unclassified insect growth regulators: dicyclanil -   nereistoxin analogue insecticides: bensultap, cartap, thiocyclam,     thiosultap -   nicotinoid insecticides: flonicamid     -   nitroguanidine insecticides: clothianidin, dinotefuran,         imidacloprid, thiamethoxam     -   nitromethylene insecticides: nitenpyram, nithiazine     -   pyridylmethylamine insecticides: acetamiprid, imidacloprid,         nitenpyram, thiacloprid -   organochlorine insecticides: bromo-DDT, camphechlor, DDT (pp′-DDT),     ethyl-DDD, HCH (gamma-HCH, lindane), methoxychlor,     pentachlorophenol, TDE     -   cyclodiene insecticides: aldrin, bromocyclen, chlorbicyclen,         chlordane, chlordecone, dieldrin, dilor, endosulfan         (alpha-endosulfan), endrin, HEOD, heptachlor, HHDN, isobenzan,         isodrin, kelevan, mirex -   organophosphorus insecticides     -   organophosphate insecticides: bromfenvinfos, chlorfenvinphos,         crotoxyphos, dichlorvos, dicrotophos, dimethylvinphos,         fospirate, heptenophos, methocrotophos, mevinphos,         monocrotophos, naled, naftalofos, phosphamidon, propaphos, TEPP,         tetrachlorvinphos     -   organothiophosphate insecticides: dioxabenzofos, fosmethilan,         phenthoate         -   aliphatic organothiophosphate insecticides: acethion,             amiton, cadusafos, chlorethoxyfos, chlormephos, demephion             (demephion-O, demephion-S), demeton (demeton-O, demeton-S),             demeton-methyl (demeton-O-methyl, demeton-S-methyl),             demeton-S-methylsulphon, disulfoton, ethion, ethoprophos,             IPSP, isothioate, malathion, methacrifos, oxydemeton-methyl,             oxydeprofos, oxydisulfoton, phorate, sulfotep, terbufos,             thiometon             -   aliphatic amide organothiophosphate insecticides:                 amidithion, cyanthoate, dimethoate, ethoate-methyl,                 formothion, mecarbam, omethoate, prothoate, sophamide,                 vamidothion             -   oxime organothiophosphate insecticides: chlorphoxim,                 phoxim, phoxim-methyl         -   heterocyclic organothiophosphate insecticides: azamethiphos,             coumaphos, coumithoate, dioxathion, endothion, menazon,             morphothion, phosalone, pyraclofos, pyridaphenthion,             quinothion             -   benzothiopyran organothiophosphate insecticides:                 dithicrofos, thicrofos             -   benzotriazine organothiophosphate insecticides:                 azinphos-ethyl, azinphos-methyl             -   isoindole organothiophosphate insecticides: dialifos,                 phosmet             -   isoxazole organothiophosphate insecticides: isoxathion,                 zolaprofos             -   pyrazolopyrimidine organothiophosphate insecticides:                 chlorprazophos, pyrazophos             -   pyridine organothiophosphate insecticides: chlorpyrifos,                 chlorpyrifos-methyl             -   pyrimidine organothiophosphate insecticides:                 butathiofos, diazinon, etrimfos, lirimfos,                 pirimiphos-ethyl, pirimiphos-methyl, primidophos,                 pyrimitate, tebupirimfos             -   quinoxaline organothiophosphate insecticides:                 quinalphos, quinalphos-methyl             -   thiadiazole organothiophosphate insecticides:                 athidathion, lythidathion, methidathion, prothidathion             -   triazole organothiophosphate insecticides: isazofos,                 triazophos         -   phenyl organothiophosphate insecticides: azothoate,             bromophos, bromophos-ethyl, carbophenothion, chlorthiophos,             cyanophos, cythioate, dicapthon, dichlofenthion, etaphos,             famphur, fenchlorphos, fenitrothion, fensulfothion,             fenthion, fenthion-ethyl, heterophos, jodfenphos,             mesulfenfos, parathion, parathion-methyl, phenkapton,             phosnichlor, profenofos, prothiofos, sulprofos, temephos,             trichlormetaphos-3, trifenofos     -   phosphonate insecticides: butonate, trichlorfon     -   phosphonothioate insecticides: mecarphon         -   phenyl ethylphosphonothioate insecticides: fonofos,             trichloronat         -   phenyl phenylphosphonothioate insecticides: cyanofenphos,             EPN, leptophos     -   phosphoramidate insecticides: crufomate, fenamiphos, fosthietan,         mephosfolan, phosfolan, pirimetaphos     -   phosphoramidothioate insecticides: acephate, isocarbophos,         isofenphos, isofenphos-methyl, methamidophos, propetamphos     -   phosphorodiamide insecticides: dimefox, mazidox, mipafox,         schradan -   oxadiazine insecticides: indoxacarb -   oxadiazolone insecticides: metoxadiazone -   phthalimide insecticides: dialifos, phosmet, tetramethrin -   pyrazole insecticides: chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole,     dimetilan, tebufenpyrad, tolfenpyrad     -   phenylpyrazole insecticides: acetoprole, ethiprole, fipronil,         pyraclofos, pyrafluprole, pyriprole, vaniliprole -   pyrethroid insecticides -   pyrethroid ester insecticides: acrinathrin, allethrin     (bioallethrin), barthrin, bifenthrin, bioethanomethrin, cyclethrin,     cycloprothrin, cyfluthrin (beta-cyfluthrin), cyhalothrin,     (gamma-cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin), cypermethrin     (alpha-cypermethrin, beta-cypermethrin, theta-cypermethrin,     zeta-cypermethrin), cyphenothrin, deltamethrin, dimefluthrin,     dimethrin, empenthrin, fenfluthrin, fenpirithrin, fenpropathrin,     fenvalerate (esfenvalerate), flucythrinate, fluvalinate     (tau-fluvalinate), furethrin, imiprothrin, metofluthrin, permethrin     (biopermethrin, transpermethrin), phenothrin, prallethrin,     profluthrin, pyresmethrin, resmethrin (bioresmethrin, cismethrin),     tefluthrin, terallethrin, tetramethrin, tralomethrin, transfluthrin -   pyrethroid ether insecticides: etofenprox, flufenprox, halfenprox,     protrifenbute, silafluofen -   pyrimidinamine insecticides: flufenerim, pyrimidifen -   pyrrole insecticides: chlorfenapyr -   tetramic acid insecticides: spirotetramat -   tetronic acid insecticides: spiromesifen -   thiazole insecticides: clothianidin, thiamethoxam -   thiazolidine insecticides: tazimcarb, thiacloprid -   thiourea insecticides: diafenthiuron -   urea insecticides: flucofuron, sulcofuron, see also chitin synthesis     inhibitors -   unclassified insecticides: closantel, copper naphthenate,     crotamiton, EXD, fenazaflor, fenoxacrim, hydramethylnon,     isoprothiolane, malonoben, metaflumizone, nifluridide, plifenate,     pyridaben, pyridalyl, pyrifluquinazon, rafoxanide, sulfoxaflor,     triarathene, triazamate.

The foregoing insecticides, and links for a further identification and description of the insecticides, can be found at http://www.alanwood.net/pesticides/class_insecticides.html, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

A particularly preferred herbicide is glyphosate (C3H8NO5P, [(phosphonomethyl) amino] acetic acid, CAS#1071-83-6). Other herbicides which can be used in the invention include:

-   amide herbicides: allidochlor, amicarbazone, beflubutamid, benzadox,     benzipram, bromobutide, cafenstrole, CDEA, cyprazole, dimethenamid     (dimethenamid-P), diphenamid, epronaz, etnipromid, fentrazamide,     flucarbazone, flupoxam, fomesafen, halosafen, isocarbamid, isoxaben,     napropamide, naptalam, pethoxamid, propyzamide, quinonamid,     saflufenacil, tebutam     -   anilide herbicides: chloranocryl, cisanilide, clomeprop,         cypromid, diflufenican, etobenzanid, fenasulam, flufenacet,         flufenican, ipfencarbazone, mefenacet, mefluidide, metamifop,         monalide, naproanilide, pentanochlor, picolinafen, propanil,         sulfentrazone         -   arylalanine herbicides: benzoylprop, flamprop (flamprop-M),         -   chloroacetanilide herbicides: acetochlor, alachlor,             butachlor, butenachlor, delachlor, diethatyl, dimethachlor,             metazachlor, metolachlor (S-metolachlor), pretilachlor,             propachlor, propisochlor, prynachlor, terbuchlor,             thenylchlor, xylachlor         -   sulfonanilide herbicides: benzofluor, cloransulam,             diclosulam, florasulam, flumetsulam, metosulam, perfluidone,             pyrimisulfan, profluazol     -   sulfonamide herbicides: asulam, carbasulam, fenasulam, oryzalin,         penoxsulam, pyroxsulam, see also sulfonylurea herbicides     -   thioamide herbicides: bencarbazone, chlorthiamid -   antibiotic herbicides: bilanafos -   aromatic acid herbicides:     -   benzoic acid herbicides: chloramben, dicamba, 2,3,6-TBA,         tricamba         -   pyrimidinyloxybenzoic acid herbicides: bispyribac,             pyriminobac         -   pyrimidinylthiobenzoic acid herbicides: pyrithiobac     -   phthalic acid herbicides: chlorthal     -   picolinic acid herbicides: aminopyralid, clopyralid, picloram     -   quinolinecarboxylic acid herbicides: quinclorac, quinmerac -   arsenical herbicides: cacodylic acid, CMA, DSMA, hexaflurate, MAA,     MAMA, MSMA, potassium arsenite, sodium arsenite -   benzoylcyclohexanedione herbicides: mesotrione, sulcotrione,     tefuryltrione, tembotrione -   benzofuranyl alkylsulfonate herbicides: benfuresate, ethofumesate -   benzothiazole herbicides: benazolin, benzthiazuron, fenthiaprop,     mefenacet, methabenzthiazuron -   carbamate herbicides: asulam, carboxazole, chlorprocarb,     dichlormate, fenasulam, karbutilate, terbucarb -   carbanilate herbicides: barban, BCPC, carbasulam, carbetamide, CEPC,     chlorbufam, chlorpropham, CPPC, desmedipham, phenisopham,     phenmedipham, phenmedipham-ethyl, propham, swep -   cyclohexene oxime herbicides: alloxydim, butroxydim, clethodim,     cloproxydim, cycloxydim, profoxydim, sethoxydim, tepraloxydim,     tralkoxydim -   cyclopropylisoxazole herbicides: isoxachlortole, isoxaflutole -   dicarboximide herbicides: cinidon-ethyl, flumezin, flumiclorac,     flumioxazin, flumipropyn, see also uracil herbicides -   dinitroaniline herbicides: benfluralin, butralin, dinitramine,     ethalfluralin, fluchloralin, isopropalin, methalpropalin, nitralin,     oryzalin, pendimethalin, prodiamine, profluralin, trifluralin -   dinitrophenol herbicides: dinofenate, dinoprop, dinosam, dinoseb,     dinoterb, DNOC, etinofen, medinoterb -   diphenyl ether herbicides: ethoxyfen     -   nitrophenyl ether herbicides: acifluorfen, aclonifen, bifenox,         chlomethoxyfen, chlornitrofen, etnipromid, fluorodifen,         fluoroglycofen, fluoronitrofen, fomesafen, furyloxyfen,         halosafen, lactofen, nitrofen, nitrofluorfen, oxyfluorfen -   dithiocarbamate herbicides: dazomet, metam -   halogenated aliphatic herbicides: alorac, chloropon, dalapon,     flupropanate, hexachloroacetone, iodomethane, methyl bromide,     monochloroacetic acid, SMA, TCA -   imidazolinone herbicides: imazamethabenz, imazamox, imazapic,     imazapyr, imazaquin, imazethapyr -   inorganic herbicides: ammonium sulfamate, borax, calcium chlorate,     copper sulfate, ferrous sulfate, potassium azide, potassium cyanate,     sodium azide, sodium chlorate, sulfuric acid -   nitrile herbicides: bromobonil, bromoxynil, chloroxynil,     dichlobenil, iodobonil, ioxynil, pyraclonil -   organophosphorus herbicides: amiprofos-methyl, anilofos, bensulide,     bilanafos, butamifos, 2,4-DEP, DMPA, EBEP, fosamine, glufosinate     (glufosinate-P), glyphosate, piperophos -   oxadiazolone herbicides: dimefuron, methazole, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon -   oxazole herbicides: carboxazole, fenoxasulfone, isouron, isoxaben,     isoxachlortole, isoxaflutole, monisouron, pyroxasulfone, topramezone -   phenoxy herbicides: bromofenoxim, clomeprop, 2,4-DEB, 2,4-DEP,     difenopenten, disul, erbon, etnipromid, fenteracol, trifopsime     -   phenoxyacetic herbicides: 4-CPA, 2,4-D, 3,4-DA, MCPA,         MCPA-thioethyl, 2,4,5-T     -   phenoxybutyric herbicides: 4-CPB, 2,4-DB, 3,4-DB, MCPB, 2,4,5-TB     -   phenoxypropionic herbicides: cloprop, 4-CPP, dichlorprop         (dichlorprop-P), 3,4-DP, fenoprop, mecoprop, (mecoprop-P)         -   aryloxyphenoxypropionic herbicides: chlorazifop, clodinafop,             clofop, cyhalofop, diclofop, fenoxaprop, (fenoxaprop-P),             fenthiaprop, fluazifop, (fluazifop-P), haloxyfop,             (haloxyfop-P), isoxapyrifop, metamifop, propaquizafop,             quizalofop, (quizalofop-P), trifop -   phenylenediamine herbicides: dinitramine, prodiamine -   pyrazole herbicides: azimsulfuron, difenzoquat, halosulfuron,     metazachlor, metazosulfuron, pyrazosulfuron, pyroxasulfone     -   benzoylpyrazole herbicides: benzofenap, pyrasulfotole,         pyrazolynate, pyrazoxyfen, topramezone     -   phenylpyrazole herbicides: fluazolate, nipyraclofen, pinoxaden,         pyraflufen -   pyridazine herbicides: credazine, pyridafol, pyridate -   pyridazinone herbicides: brompyrazon, chloridazon, dimidazon,     flufenpyr, metflurazon, norflurazon, oxapyrazon, pydanon -   pyridine herbicides: aminopyralid, cliodinate, clopyralid,     diflufenican, dithiopyr, flufenican, fluroxypyr, haloxydine,     picloram, picolinafen, pyriclor, pyroxsulam, thiazopyr, triclopyr -   pyrimidinediamine herbicides: iprymidam, tioclorim -   quaternary ammonium herbicides: cyperquat, diethamquat, difenzoquat,     diquat, morfamquat, paraquat -   thiocarbamate herbicides: butylate, cycloate, di-allate, EPTC,     esprocarb, ethiolate, isopolinate, methiobencarb, molinate,     orbencarb, pebulate, prosulfocarb, pyributicarb, sulfallate,     thiobencarb, tiocarbazil, tri-allate, vernolate -   thiocarbonate herbicides: dimexano, EXD, proxan -   thiourea herbicides: methiuron -   triazine herbicides: dipropetryn, indaziflam, triaziflam,     trihydroxytriazine     -   chlorotriazine herbicides: atrazine, chlorazine, cyanazine,         cyprazine, eglinazine, ipazine, mesoprazine, procyazine,         proglinazine, propazine, sebuthylazine, simazine,         terbuthylazine, trietazine     -   methoxytriazine herbicides: atraton, methometon, prometon,         secbumeton, simeton, terbumeton     -   methylthiotriazine herbicides: ametryn, aziprotryne, cyanatryn,         desmetryn, dimethametryn, methoprotryne, prometryn, simetryn,         terbutryn -   triazinone herbicides: ametridione, amibuzin, hexazinone,     isomethiozin, metamitron, metribuzin -   triazole herbicides: amitrole, cafenstrole, epronaz, flupoxam -   triazolone herbicides: amicarbazone, bencarbazone, carfentrazone,     flucarbazone, ipfencarbazone, propoxycarbazone, sulfentrazone,     thiencarbazone -   triazolopyrimidine herbicides: cloransulam, diclosulam, florasulam,     flumetsulam, metosulam, penoxsulam, pyroxsulam -   uracil herbicides: benzfendizone, bromacil, butafenacil,     flupropacil, isocil, lenacil, saflufenacil, terbacil -   urea herbicides: benzthiazuron, cumyluron, cycluron, dichloralurea,     diflufenzopyr, isonoruron, isouron, methabenzthiazuron, monisouron,     noruron     -   phenylurea herbicides: anisuron, buturon, chlorbromuron,         chloreturon, chlorotoluron, chloroxuron, daimuron, difenoxuron,         dimefuron, diuron, fenuron, fluometuron, fluothiuron,         isoproturon, linuron, methiuron, methyldymron, metobenzuron,         metobromuron, metoxuron, monolinuron, monuron, neburon,         parafluron, phenobenzuron, siduron, tetrafluron, thidiazuron     -   sulfonylurea herbicides:         -   pyrimidinylsulfonylurea herbicides: amidosulfuron,             azimsulfuron, bensulfuron, chlorimuron, cyclosulfamuron,             ethoxysulfuron, flazasulfuron, flucetosulfuron,             flupyrsulfuron, foramsulfuron, halosulfuron, imazosulfuron,             mesosulfuron, metazosulfuron, nicosulfuron, orthosulfamuron,             oxasulfuron, primisulfuron, propyrisulfuron, pyrazosulfuron,             rimsulfuron, sulfometuron, sulfosulfuron, trifloxysulfuron         -   triazinylsulfonylurea herbicides: chlorsulfuron,             cinosulfuron, ethametsulfuron, iodosulfuron, metsulfuron,             prosulfuron, thifensulfuron, triasulfuron, tribenuron,             triflusulfuron, tritosulfuron     -   thiadiazolylurea herbicides: buthiuron, ethidimuron,         tebuthiuron, thiazafluron, thidiazuron -   unclassified herbicides: acrolein, allyl alcohol,     aminocyclopyrachlor, azafenidin, bentazone, benzobicyclon,     bicyclopyrone, buthidazole, calcium cyanamide, cambendichlor,     chlorfenac, chlorfenprop, chlorflurazole, chlorflurenol,     cinmethylin, clomazone, CPMF, cresol, cyanamide,     ortho-dichlorobenzene, dimepiperate, endothal, fluoromidine,     fluridone, flurochloridone, flurtamone, fluthiacet, indanofan,     methyl isothiocyanate, OCH, oxaziclomefone, pentachlorophenol,     pentoxazone, phenylmercury acetate, prosulfalin, pyribenzoxim,     pyriftalid, quinoclamine, rhodethanil, sulglycapin, thidiazimin,     tridiphane, trimeturon, tripropindan, tritac.

The foregoing herbicides, and links for a further identification and description of the herbicides, can be found at http://www.alanwood.net/pesticides/class_herbicides.html, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

The following are the most preferred insecticides for use in the invention: botanical, carbamate, diamide, fumigant, insect growth regulators, nicotinoid, organochlorine, organophosphorus, phthalimide, pyrazole, pyrethroid, pyrethroid ester, pyrethroid ether, pyrimidinamine, pyrrole, thiazole, thiazolidine, and thiourea.

The following are the most preferred herbicides for use in the invention: amide, aromatic acid, benzothiazole, carbamate, carbanilate, cyclohexene oxime, dicarboximide, dinitroaniline, dinitrophenol, diphenyl ether, imidazolinone, organophosphorus, oxadiazolone, oxazole, phenoxy, phenylenediamine, pyrazole, pyridine, pyridazinone, quaternary ammonium, thiocarbamate, thiocarbonate, thiourea, triazine, triazinone, triazole, triazolone, triazolopyrimidine, urea, and unclassified.

The following are the most preferred fungicides for use in the invention: Dithiocarbamates, Nitrial, Benzimidazoles, Dicarboximides, Sterol Inhibitors (SI)/Demethylase Inhibitors (DMI), Carboxamides/Anilides, Strobilurins, Phenylpyrrole, Phynylamide, Aromic Hydrocarbin, Polyoxin, Pyridinamine, Cyanoimidazole, Carbamate, and Phosphonate.

Example 8—Evaluation of Tetrapolymer Partial Salt as Pesticide Adjuvant

In this test, the effectiveness of the previously described ammonium/sodium tetrapolymer partial salt B as a glyphosate adjuvant was compared with an aqueous mixture containing 40% by weight of a maleic-itaconic polymer ammonium partial salt, having equimolar amounts of maleic and itaconic moieties, and a pH of about 2 (referred to herein as “M-I ammonium partial salt”).

Glyphosate test dispersion treatments were prepared as follows, using 50 mL of glyphosate dispersion in each treatment:

-   -   Treatment A—glyphosate alone     -   Treatment B—glyphosate+1.0% (v/v) MSO     -   Treatment C—glyphosate+0.50% (v/v) M-I ammonium partial         salt+1.0% (v/v) MSO     -   Treatment D—glyphosate+0.50% (v/v) tetrapolymer salt B+1.0%         (v/v) MSO     -   Treatment E—glyphosate+0.50% (v/v) CS     -   Treatment F—glyphosate+0.50% (v/v) M-I ammonium partial         salt+0.50% (v/v) CS     -   Treatment G—glyphosate+0.50% (v/v) tetrapolymer salt B+0.50%         (v/v) CS     -   Treatment H—glyphosate+0.50% (v/v) tetrapolymer salt B

The glyphosate used in all of the formulations was an isopropylamine glyphosate sold under the designation “Glyphosate Star Gold,” and was prepared as an aqueous dispersion in a 50 mL tube, using the conventional commercial concentration, namely 32 oz of glyphosate per acre. The other ingredients were mixed with the glyphosate to complete the Treatments. The added materials were M-I ammonium partial salt, methylated seed oil surfactant (MSO), and ChemSurf 90 (CS). The latter product is a commercially available aqueous surfactant containing 90% alkylarylpolyoxykane ether, isopropanol and free fatty acids, and is manufactured by Chemorse, Ltd. of Des Moines, Iowa.

Twenty-four 6.75 inch soil pots were planted with pre-germinated pods containing two Waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis) plants known to be resistant to glyphosate herbicides. Plants were allowed to reach between 10 and 15 cm in height, whereupon they were sprayed with the above Treatments using a hand-held CO2 pressurized cone-nozzle sprayer calibrated to deliver 0.230 mL of Treatment to each pot, which is equivalent to a ten-gallon tank mixture sprayed over one acre.

A numerical scale based upon live plant observations was used to gauge the effectiveness of each Treatment, with 0.0 being no effect and 5.0 being completely effective. Three replicate observations were made on day 6 and day 12 after spraying, with the cumulative means of all replications representing the effectiveness of the corresponding Treatment. The results of this series of tests is set forth in Tables 3 and 4 below.

Example 8

TABLE 1 Day 6 Observations Group ID Rep 1 Rep 2 Rep 3 Mean Treatment A 3.0 4.0 0.0 2.3 Treatment B 5.0 4.0 0.5 3.2 Treatment C 3.0 3.0 0.5 2.2 Treatment D 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 Treatment E 5.0 3.0 3.0 3.7 Treatment F 4.5 5.0 5.0 4.8 Treatment G 5.0 1.0 3.0 3.0 Treatment H 5.0 4.0 2.5 3.8

Example 8

TABLE 2 Day 12 Observations Group ID Rep 1 Rep 2 Rep 3 Mean Treatment A 3.0 3.5 0 2.2 Treatment B 5.0 5.0 0.5 3.5 Treatment C 5.0 2.5 0 2.5 Treatment D 3.5 3.0 5.0 3.8 Treatment E 5.0 3.0 5.0 4.3 Treatment F 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 Treatment G 5.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 Treatment H 5.0 5.0 2.5 4.2

As illustrated in the foregoing data, the tetrapolymer products of the invention provided increase adjuvant activity in almost all instances, as compared with the no-polymer and M-I ammonium partial salt tests. This result was especially evident with Treatments D and F, where observations starting on Day 1 presented easily discernible differences between Treatments with and without the tetrapolymer additive.

Example 9—Class I Tetrapolymers as Herbicide Adjuvants

Glufosinate Trial

In this series of tests, commercially available Liberty glufosinate herbicide obtained from Bayer CropScience was supplemented with a T5 partial sodium and ammonium salt polymer (pH 2.5) at two different rates.

Tank mixtures were first made by mixing together 10 gallons of deionized water and Liberty herbicide at a rate equal to 29 ounces per acre. The polymer was then added at a rate of 0.50% v/v or 1% v/v immediately before spray application.

The liquid herbicide mixtures were targeted at 12-inch tall Waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis) having known resistance to glyphosate and triazine herbicides. All treatments were applied at 10 gal/acre using a teejet 8002 EVS nozzle in a DeVries Research Sprayer, at a rate of 29 fl. oz. per acre of Liberty herbicide. After 15 days, the percent by weight of remaining biomass for each plant was measured. The control (no polymer) exhibited 45% remaining biomass, whereas the 0.5% tetrapolymer test gave 20% remaining biomass, and the 1% tetrapolymer test gave 10% remaining biomass.

Dicamba Trial

In this series of tests, commercially available Clarity Dicamba herbicide obtained from BASF Corporation was supplemented with a T5 partial sodium salt polymer (pH 8.0) at two different rates.

Tank mixtures were first made by mixing together 10 gallons of deionized water and Clarity herbicide at a rate equal to 16 ounces per acre. The polymer was then added at a rate of 0.50% v/v or 1% v/v immediately before spray application.

The liquid herbicide mixtures were targeted at Marestail (Conyza canadensis) at full rosette stage having known resistance to glyphosate herbicides. All treatments were applied at 10 gal/acre using a teejet 8002 EVS nozzle in a DeVries Research Sprayer, at a rate of 16 fl. oz. per acre of Clarity herbicide. After 7 days, the percent by weight of remaining biomass for each plant was measured. The control (no polymer) exhibited 65% remaining biomass, whereas the 0.5% tetrapolymer test gave 45% remaining biomass, and the 1% tetrapolymer test gave 50% remaining biomass. After 14 days, the control had 20% remaining biomass, the 0.5% tetrapolymer test gave 5% remaining biomass, and the 1% tetrapolymer test gave 15% remaining biomass.

2,4-D Trial

In this series of tests, commercially available 2,4-D diethylamine salt herbicide was supplemented with a T5 partial sodium and ammonium salt polymer (pH 2.5) at two different rates.

Tank mixtures were first made by mixing together 10 gallons of deionized water and 2,4-D herbicide at a rate equal to 32 ounces per acre. The polymer was then added at a rate of 0.50% v/v or 1% v/v immediately before spray application.

The liquid herbicide mixtures were targeted at Marestail (Conyza canadensis) at full rosette stage having known resistance to glyphosate herbicides. All treatments were applied at 10 gal/acre using a teejet 8002 EVS nozzle in a DeVries Research Sprayer, at a rate of 32 fl. oz. per acre of herbicide. After 7 days, the percent by weight of remaining biomass for each plant was measured. The control (no polymer) exhibited 70% remaining biomass, whereas the 0.5% tetrapolymer test gave 60% remaining biomass, and the 1% tetrapolymer test gave 65% remaining biomass. After 14 days, the control had 25% remaining biomass, the 0.5% tetrapolymer test gave 10% remaining biomass, and the 1% tetrapolymer test gave 15% remaining biomass.

10. Nitrification/Urease/Phosphate Fixation Inhibition

The Class I polymers of the invention have also been found to serve as useful inhibitors for the nitrification processes within soil, and to also inhibit phosphate fixation and urease activities therein. In this fashion, increased crop yields are realized owing to the fact that naturally occurring and fertilizer-supplied nitrogen and phosphate sources are more efficiently utilized by plants. The polymers of the invention may be applied directly to soil in aqueous dispersion or solid form and in amounts effective for controlling nitrification, urease activity, and phosphate fixation; more commonly, however, the polymers are used in conjunction with solid ammoniacal fertilizer (e.g., urea), or with fluid fertilizers (e.g., gaseous fertilizers or liquid UAN) containing ammoniacal nitrogen.

As used herein, “ammoniacal nitrogen” is a broad term embracing fertilizer compositions containing ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₄) as well as fertilizer compositions and other compounds which are precursors of ammoniacal nitrogen or that cause ammoniacal nitrogen to be generated when the fertilizers or compounds undergo various reactions such as hydrolysis. To give but one example, the polymers of the invention may be applied to or mixed with urea or other nitrogen-containing fertilizers which have no ammoniacal nitrogen therein as such. Nonetheless, such fertilizers will undergo reactions in the soil to generate ammoniacal nitrogen in situ. Thus, in this example urea or other precursor nitrogen-containing fertilizers would be deemed to contain ammoniacal nitrogen.

When the Class I polymers are used in the form of aqueous dispersions in intimate contact with or dispersed in ammoniacal nitrogen fertilizers, the polymer/fertilizer mixture is typically applied to soil adjacent growing plants or pre-applied to soils subject to nitrification. Aqueous polymer mixtures are typically used with liquid and dry fertilizers at relatively low levels up to about 2% by volume (e.g., 0.01-2% by volume) based upon the total volume of the liquid fertilizer material taken as 100% by volume. In such uses, it is also preferred that the pH levels should be up to about 3, more preferably up to about 2, and most preferably up to about 1. Moreover, such aqueous dispersions advantageously contain from about 10-85% by weight solids, more preferably from about 30-65% by weight solids, and most preferably about 40% by weight solids.

In preparing the polymer/liquid fertilizer materials of the invention, the ammoniacal nitrogen-containing fertilizer material(s) are suspended in water and the aqueous polymer mixture(s) are added thereto with mixing. No particular mixing regime or temperature conditions are required. Surprisingly, it has been found that these liquid fertilizer materials are quite stable and resist settling out or precipitation of solids over extended storage periods of at least about two weeks.

In the case of solid ammoniacal fertilizers, the polymers are directly applied to the fertilizer, typically at a level of from about 0.01-10% by weight, more preferably from about 0.05-2% by weight, based upon the total weight of the polymer/fertilizer product taken as 100% by weight. Normally, aqueous dispersions of the polymer are sprayed onto the solid fertilizers and allowed to dry, so that the polymeric dried residue remains on the surfaces of the fertilizers

Example 10—Evaluation of Tetrapolymer Partial Salt as Urease Inhibitor—Method 1

Studies have shown that urea-containing fertilizers can lose up to 30% or more of their N if not incorporated into soil within 72 hours by tillage or rainfall. Volatilization occurs when urea hydrolyzes, i.e., it reacts with soil moisture and breaks down. The enzyme urease, which is produced by soil microorganisms, facilitates volatilization. Therefore, best management practices dictate that urease be inhibited to the extent possible.

In this test, the urease inhibition effectiveness of the tetrapolymers of the invention was determined, as compared with prior art maleic-itaconic partial salts. In the test, 50 mL Erlenmeyer flasks were charged with 25 mL of 1.0% (w/w) stock urea dispersion, and two levels of tetrapolymer salt B, namely 0.033% (v/v) (8.25 μL) and 0.066% (v/v) (16.5 μL). Comparative flasks were also prepared containing the same amounts of urea dispersion, but with a 40% solids aqueous dispersion of a partial calcium salt of a maleic-itaconic polymer containing equimolar amounts of maleic and itaconic moieties, and having a pH of from about 2.25-2.75, nominally 2.5 (referred to herein as “M-I Ca 2.5”) and a 40% solids aqueous dispersion of a partial calcium salt of a maleic-itaconic polymer containing equimolar amounts of maleic and itaconic moieties, and having a pH of from about 1-2, nominally 1.5 (referred to herein as “M-I Ca 1.5”). Control flasks containing no urease inhibition polymer were also prepared.

A pH meter and electrode were used to record initial pH levels, whereupon an additional 1.0% (v/v) of urease enzyme dispersion was added to each flask. pH measurements were taken at timed intervals to track the breakdown of urea in the flasks. As the urea breaks down, ammonia ions are generated, causing a subsequent rise in the pH of the dispersions. By observing the rate of pH elevation, the effectiveness of urease inhibition can be measured.

Example 10

TABLE 1 Trial 1: Urease Inhibition with 0.033% Inhibitor Salt M-I M-I Polymer Salt B Ca 2.5 Ca 1.5 Control Initial pH 4.122 4.084 3.088 7.000 30 Second pH 8.400 4.818 3.362 9.295 (immediate) 120 Second pH 9.105 8.389 3.753 600 Second pH x x 6.484 Increase (600 s) 4.983 4.305 3.396

Example 10

TABLE 2 Trial 1: Urease Inhibition with 0.066% Inhibitor Salt M-I M-I Polymer Salt B Ca 2.5 Ca 1.5 Control Initial pH 3.943 3.908 3.496 7.000 30 Second pH 4.087 4.055 3.559 9.295 (immediate) 120 Second pH 4.601 4.345 3.801 600 Second pH 9.305 6.504 4.636 Increase (600 s) 5.362 2.596 1.14

As illustrated, the control flasks without any polymeric urease inhibitor exhibited an immediate pH spike. However, the tetrapolymer salts of the invention gave functional urease inhibition results as compared with the prior art M-I Ca 2.5 and M-I Ca 1.5 products, particularly at the higher usage rate of Table 6.

Example 11—Evaluation of Tetrapolymer Partial Salt as Urease Inhibitor—Method 2

In this test, the urease inhibition properties of the tetrapolymers of the invention were determined as compared with the prior art M-I Ca 2.5 and M-I Ca 1.5 products, using a different technique. In particular, nine 50 mL Erlenmeyer flasks were charged with 25 mL each of deionized water, to give three flask sets A, B, and C, each set containing three flasks. Thereupon, 0.033% (v/v) of the M-I Ca 2.5, M-I Ca 1.5, and salt B polymers were individually added to the three flasks of each set. After the pH levels of the flasks containing water and polymer stabilized, 1% (v/v) urease dispersion was added to each of the nine flasks, and the individual flasks containing water/polymer/urease were allowed to incubate for three different time periods, namely 1 (set A), 3 (set B), and 10 (set C) minutes. The pH levels were taken at this point, followed by adding 0.5 mL of 50% (w/w) urea-water dispersion to each flask to obtain a total of 1% (w/w) of urea in each flask dispersion. pH measurements were then observed at time intervals of 30 seconds, 120 seconds, and 600 seconds. As the urea broke down in each flask, ammonia was released, causing a rise in pH in the dispersions. By observing the rate of pH rise, the effectiveness of urease inhibition was measured; this rate is directly affected by the amount of incubation time between the three sets.

Example 11

TABLE 1 One Minute Incubation of Polymer/Urease - Set A Polymer Salt B M-I Ca 2.5 M-I Ca 1.5 Initial pH, H2O and polymer 3.974 3.856 3.588 H2O, Polymer, and Urease 3.895 3.789 3.523 after one minute 30 s after adding urea 4.194 4.003 3.695 dispersion 120 seconds 4.510 4.353 3.763 600 seconds 7.934 8.907 6.176

Example 11

TABLE 2 Three Minute Incubation of Polymer/Urease - Set B Polymer Salt B M-I Ca 2.5 M-I Ca 1.5 Initial pH, H2O and polymer 3.925 3.951 3.619 H2O, Polymer, and Urease 4.025 3.845 3.559 after one minute 30 s after adding urea 4.025 3.975 3.690 dispersion 120 seconds 4.260 4.043 3.761 600 seconds 4.765 7.663 3.934

Example 11

TABLE 3 Ten Minute Incubation of Polymer/Urease - Set C Polymer Salt B M-I Ca 2.5 M-I Ca 1.5 Initial pH, H2O and polymer 3.987 3.832 H2O, Polymer, and Urease 3.908 3.756 after one minute 30 s after adding urea 4.049 3.848 dispersion 120 seconds 4.081 3.879 600 seconds 4.140 3.951

Example 12—Class I Polymer as Urease Enzyme Inhibitor

In a first series of tests, 25 mL aliquots of 1% (w/w) stock urea solution were combined in 50 mL Erlenmeyer flasks with four different test formulations at equal levels of 0.666% (v/v). A pH meter and electrode were used to record initial pH levels, and then 1.0% (v/v) urease solution was added to each flask. pH measurements over time (at 30 seconds, 120 seconds, and 600 seconds) were observed as a measure of urea breakdown, generating ammonia and consequently causing a rise in pH levels. The rates of pH rise were a measure of the effectiveness of urease inhibition. Two replications A and B were carried out for each test formulation.

The test formulations were:

-   -   No. 1—no polymer, 4% w/w boric acid, 30% w/w lactic acid,         balance water, with added dye.     -   No. 2—T5 polymer as a mixed sodium/calcium partial salt in         water, pH about 1.     -   No. 3—34% w/w T5 polymer as a mixed calcium/sodium partial salt,         4% w/w boric acid, 1.5% w/w low molecular weight polyvinyl         alcohol, 22% w/w lactic acid, no dye, with the balance being         water, pH of about 1.     -   No. 4—T5 polymer as a mixed sodium/calcium partial salt in         water, pH about 1, with 4.3% w/w boric acid, and 32% w/w lactic         acid.         The results of this first series of tests are set forth below.

Example 12

TABLE 1 Test Formulation Replication Initial pH 30 s pH 120 s pH 600 s pH 1 A 3.31 4.40 8.99 9.08 1 B 3.37 4.04 8.99 9.14 2 A 3.43 3.30 3.37 3.64 2 B 3.36 3.27 3.33 3.73 3 A 3.09 3.03 3.08 3.21 3 B 3.25 3.18 3.22 3.23 4 A 3.16 3.12 3.10 3.10 4 B 3.21 3.20 3.21 3.44

As illustrated in the foregoing data, test formulations containing Class I tetrapolymers without boric acid both gave sustained disablement of urease enzyme. Further testing has confirmed that the Class I tetrapolymers inhibit urease completely through 10 minutes.

In a second series of tests, the same formulation Nos. 1-4 were tested under a different procedure. Specifically, 24.5 mL of water was combined with the test formulations in 50 mL Erlenmeyer flasks to obtain a test formulation level of 0.033% v/v. Immediately thereafter, urease enzyme was added to each flask at a rate of 1.0% v/v, and allowed to incubate for 60 seconds or 300 seconds. Once the incubations were complete, initial pH measurements were taken and 0.5 mL of 50% w/w urea solution was added to each flask to bring the total solutions to 1% w/w of urea and water. Thereafter, pH measurements were taken at 60 seconds/300 seconds, 90 seconds/330 seconds, 180 seconds/400 seconds, and 600 seconds/900 seconds. Furthermore, ambient air ammonia concentrations from the respective flasks were measured after 4 hours as another indicator of urease inhibition. The results of this test are set forth below.

Example 12

TABLE 2 Test Incubation Formu- Period/ Wait Wait Wait NH3/4 lation Initial pH Time/pH Time/pH Time/pH hours 1  60 s/3.93  90 s/8.99 180 s/9.25 660 s/9.29 290 ppm  1 300 s/4.05 330 s/9.04 420 s/9.14 900 s/9.22 220 ppm  2  60 s/4.72  90 s/6.26 180 s/7.67 660 s/8.95 9 ppm 2 300 s/4.34 330 s/6.71 420 s/8.11 900 s/8.84 9 ppm 3  60 s/3.97  90 s/5.74 180 s/8.40 660 s/9.09 20 ppm  3 300 s/4.14 330 s/5.90 420 s/6.36 900 s/7.08 9 ppm 4  60 s/3.85  90 s/4.94 180 s/7.97 660 s/9.06 24 ppm  4 300 s/3.88 330 s/5.28 420 s/6.94 900 s/8.50 9 ppm

Example 13—Class I Tetrapolymers as Phosphorous Fixation Inhibitors

Phosphorous fertilizer can become tied-up or fixed with antagonistic cations in soils, which results in 75-95% of applied phosphorous becoming unavailable for plant uptake. It has been found that the Class I polymers of the invention are capable of reducing such phosphorous fixation by sequestration of antagonistic cations in the microenvironments of phosphorous fertilizers.

In a field test, two rates of phosphorous as diammonium phosphate (DAP) were broadcast-applied as a pre-plant fertilizer to a cotton field, namely 65 lbs of DAP per acre and 130 lbs of DAP per acre. The tests were two replications each of an unfertilized control, a DAP-only control, and DAP mixed with 0.25% w/w of a Class I polymer formulation. The formulation included 40% w/w of a partial zinc/sodium salt of T5 polymer, 5% w/w zinc, and the balance water, pH about 3,

Tissue tests were taken prior to first bloom from each plot, and the percent of phosphorous in the plant tissue was measured. After harvesting, lint yields were measured. The tissue phosphorous test results are set forth below in Table 1, whereas the yield tests are given in Table 2.

Example 13

TABLE 1 % by weight Treatment Phosphorous in Tissue unfertilized control 0.21 65 lbs DAP 0.41 65 lbs DAP w/polymer 0.5 unfertilized control 0.21 130 lbs DAP 0.41 130 lbs DAP w/polymer 0.51

Example 13

TABLE 2 Treatment Lint Yield lbs/acre unfertilized control 390 65 lbs DAP 712 65 lbs DAP w/polymer 896 unfertilized control 390 130 lbs DAP 781 130 lbs DAP w/polymer 900

These results confirm that the use of the Class I tetrapolymer with zinc gave a significant increase in tissue phosphorous levels and yields.

The foregoing Examples 5-13 illustrate specific uses of the novel Class I polymers of the invention in various contexts. It is to be understood that these Examples are provided by way of illustration only, and nothing therein should be taken as a limitation upon the overall scope of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. A seed product comprising an agricultural seed coated with a polymer composition, said polymer composition comprising an anionic polymer comprising at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, said repeat units comprising at least one each of a maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat unit.
 2. The seed product of claim 1, said polymer being initially applied to said seed as an aqueous composition having a pH of from about 5-7.
 3. The seed product of claim 1, said polymer composition being present at a level of from about 0.001-10% by weight, based upon the total weight of the coated seed product.
 4. The seed product of claim 1, said polymer being in combination with another anionic polymer comprising maleic and itaconic repeat units.
 5. The seed product of claim 1, said polymer being in acid, partial salt, or complete salt form.
 6. The seed product of claim 5, said partial or complete salts formed using micronutrient metals selected from the group consisting of Zn, Mn, B, Fe, Mo, Cu, and mixtures thereof.
 7. A seed product comprising an agricultural seed coated with a polymer composition, said polymer composition comprising an anionic polymer comprising at least four repeat units distributed along the length of the polymer chain, said at least four repeat units comprising at least one each of type B, type C, and type G repeat units, said type B repeat units selected from the group consisting of repeat units derived from substituted and unsubstituted monomers of maleic acid and/or anhydride, fumaric acid and/or anhydride, mesaconic acid and/or anhydride, mixtures of the foregoing, and any isomers, esters, acid chlorides, and partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, wherein type B repeat units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof, said type C repeat units selected from the group consisting of repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted monomers of itaconic acid, itaconic anhydride, and any isomers, esters, and the partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein the type C repeat units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts have salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof, said type G repeat units selected from the group consisting of repeat units derived from substituted or unsubstituted sulfonated monomers possessing at least one carbon-carbon double bond and at least one sulfonate group and which are substantially free of aromatic rings and amide groups, and any isomers, and the partial or complete salts of any of the foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing, wherein type G repeat units may be substituted with one or more C1-C6 straight or branched chain alkyl groups substantially free of ring structures and halo atoms, and wherein the salts of the type G repeat units have salt-forming cations selected from the group consisting of metals, amines, and mixtures thereof, said anionic polymer containing no more than about 10 mole percent of non-carboxylate olefins and/or ethers.
 8. The seed product of claim 7, said polymer being initially applied to said seed as an aqueous composition having a pH of from about 5-7.
 9. The seed product of claim 7, said polymer composition being present at a level of from about 0.001-10% by weight, based upon the total weight of the coated seed product.
 10. The seed product of claim 7, said polymer being in combination with another anionic polymer comprising maleic and itaconic repeat units.
 11. The seed product of claim 7, wherein at least about 96 mole percent of the repeat units therein are selected from the group consisting of type B, C, and G repeat units, and mixtures thereof.
 12. The seed product of claim 7, said type B repeat unit being present at a level of from about 35-50 mole percent, said type C repeat unit being present at a level of from about 20-55 mole percent, said type G repeat unit derived from methallylsulfonic acid being present at a level of from about 1-25 mole percent, and said type G repeat unit derived from allylsulfonic acid being present at a level of from about 1-20 mole percent, where the total amount of all of the repeat units in the polymer is taken as 100 mole percent.
 13. The seed product of claim 7, said polymer being in acid, partial salt, or complete salt form.
 14. The seed product of claim 13, said partial or complete salts formed using micronutrient metals selected from the group consisting of Zn, Mn, B, Fe, Mo, Cu, and mixtures thereof. 